Our mission is to protect birds of prey and other migratory birds
in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship.

Dear Friend,

At the end of each fall season, we hold a special volunteer appreciation potluck dinner. We shared pictures and stories about the great birds and visitors we were able to connect with. It was heartwarming to feel the camaraderie that has been built over the years among staff, volunteers, and visitors. This year we again had about 70 volunteers contribute more than 2,000 hours in just two months. A total of 80 percent of staff contracted this fall returned from last year and provides compelling testimony to their dedication and loyalty. We are truly thankful to have so many dedicated people willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about raptors and other birds.

We are also very grateful to all of the members and donors who make the programs of Hawk Ridge possible each year. The core programs of Hawk Ridge (fall count, fall banding, and visitor education) are certainly funded by memberships and donations. Without your support, we would not be able to continue our mission of raising awareness about birds through research, education, and stewardship. Here are some highlights of programs that were carried out this year:

Your Annual Fund gift today is needed now more than ever. Hawk Ridge has made great strides as an organization in recent years, but it is now in a critical transition phase. Funding from grant sources has become more difficult to attain in the current economy. In order to sustain our programs, we need your support.

Here are some highlights of programs that were carried out this year:

• Fall Count—For nearly 40 years, a systematic raptor count has been completed at Hawk Ridge and recently a non-raptor count has started. Data is contributed to the Hawk Migration Association of North America database (hawkcount.org) and is used in the Raptor Population Index project and helps provide a barometer on the health of raptor populations.
• Fall Banding—An average of 3,000 raptors have been banded each fall at Hawk Ridge since 1971 and more than 95 songbird species have been banded since 1993. These data contribute to improving our understanding of where these birds came from and where they are going. Plus a close-up view of these birds provides a unique educational experience to view and learn about raptors and songbirds up close.
• Visitor Education—Free educational programs on raptors and non-raptors are provided for the approximately 18,000 visitors that come up to Hawk Ridge in the fall. On-site programs are also provided to schools, elder hostels, and other civic groups.
• Raptors in the Classroom—Raptor education programs were delivered to fourth grade classrooms in 47 schools this winter and spring at no cost to the school. Nearly 15,000 students have been connected to Hawk Ridge through this program.
• Spring Count—For the first time since 2005, the West Skyline Hawk Count was conducted full-time. A total of 19,269 raptors were counted during 570 hours of observation. The spring counts are among the highest in the United States and provide an index of over-winter survival.
• Western Great Lakes Owl Monitoring—This was the fifth year of this spring project. Over 70 volunteer teams recorded 282 owls of seven species. This valuable information will help us better understand trends, distribution, and abundance of owl species in this region.
• Peregrine Watch—Over the past four years, approximately 13,000 people have visited Peregrine Watch in downtown Duluth to view and learn about the nesting Peregrine Falcons that return each year. It was exciting to see all four chicks fledge this year and hear the great stories from all of their followers.
• Experience Hawk—FREE bus transportation was offered to schools to give children the “experience” of Hawk Ridge during the amazing fall migration. We hope to continue our goal of reaching out to children throughout the region.
• North Shore Migration Project—In the second year of this study, data are being gathered to identify consistent patterns in magnitude, location, and flight paths of migrating birds. The overall goal is to improve our understanding of migratory pathways of birds along the North Shore of Lake Superior, especially in light of potential wind energy development. We hope to identify important pathways to avoid or minimize potential impacts on migrating birds

We are working hard to carry out the legacy of Hawk Ridge by having year-round programming, especially for children. We want them to be aware of this exciting natural phenomenon and give them the opportunity to see the power and beauty of these migrating birds in our region. We cannot provide them with the necessary knowledge and tools that lead to an understanding and appreciation of birds without your help. You can help bird conservation efforts by giving children this experience.

Please think back to why you decided to invest in Hawk Ridge. We have heard so many wonderful stories from contributors this year on what makes Hawk Ridge special to them. Meaningful experiences have been connecting people to Hawk Ridge for over half a century. The early raptor conservation efforts from the 1950s are still being carried on today! It is amazing to hear the passion in the voices of those that helped cultivate the organization through research and education programs. That passion is what drew people to Hawk Ridge and continues to do so. We now have over 18,000 visitors in September and October to witness the glory of the migration and learn about these beautiful birds passing by in the sky.

We look forward to seeing the many returning visitors each year and meeting new people from all over the world. We are motivated by your stories, support, and interest in birds. We would like to share a special quote from one of our fall visitors who decided to invest in Hawk Ridge this year:

“Earlier this fall my wife and I joined Hawk Ridge at the $100 membership level. We spent eight days at the Ridge this year and had a wonderful experience each time. We toured the banding station, we adopted raptors, and we bought t-shirts. Every time we were there we couldn't wait to get back again. We learned so much about raptors from your excellent staff and volunteers. They are all so knowledgeable and friendly and make Hawk Ridge a great place to visit… Since we've enjoyed Hawk Ridge so much this year, we want to do more to support your efforts. We've decided to increase our Hawk Ridge membership to the $1,000 level.”

Again, please think back to why you decided to invest in Hawk Ridge. Your Annual Fund contribution will help give someone else that same opportunity you had. Let us continue to promote bird conservation through Hawk Ridge for many generations to come. We sincerely thank you for your past support and for believing in our mission. We hope to hear from you in the near future about your connection to Hawk Ridge and by making your Annual Fund contribution today.

Sincerely,

Janelle M.Long
Executive Director

Tim Bates
Board Chair