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American Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Update: Nestlings Have Arrived!![]()
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Exciting news from our American Kestrel monitoring program—many of this year's eggs have hatched, and nestlings are now filling boxes across the region!![]()
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In late May, we banded 28 adult American Kestrels and recaptured five previously banded birds. Two of the recaptured adults had been banded in 2025, while three others were birds originally banded as nestlings in 2022, 2023, and 2025. These recaptures provide valuable information about longevity, survival, and breeding-site fidelity (whether birds return to the same area to breed year after year).![]()
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Nest box occupancy remains high, with approximately 75% of boxes occupied across our study area spanning Clover Valley, Minnesota, and Douglas County, Wisconsin. Kestrels are not the only species interested in the boxes, however. This season we have documented three boxes occupied by squirrels (both red and gray squirrels) and three occupied by European Starlings.![]()
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With many chicks now hatched, the next milestone is fledging. About 30 days after hatching, young kestrels will leave the nest and begin preparing for their first migration south. Fall migration will be here before we know it!![]()
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Stay tuned for our next update, when we'll share highlights from this year's kestrel nestling banding season. Thanks to Frank Nicoletti, David Alexander, Taylor Peltier, and Emily Pavlovic for help with the work so far this season!
Join us for our Summer Naturalist Series starting tomorrow with Saturday Nature Hikes! We’ll explore a different trail each week at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve to learn about North Shore phenology and what calls the nature reserve home for the summer! Pack your binoculars, lace up your shoes, and gear up for a fun hike!![]()
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Dates: Saturdays June 6th, 13th, & 20th ![]()
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Time: 2:00-3:30pm ![]()
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Location: Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve (meet at main overlook by Hawk Ridge signage - approx. address 3980 E Skyline Pkwy, Duluth, MN) ![]()
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Cost: Suggested donation $5 in support of Hawk Ridge bird research & education ![]()
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What to Bring: dress in layers, water, sunscreen, insect deterrent, hiking shoes/gear![]()
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Special Notes: trails are natural-surface and may be rugged with some rocky steps & hike may be canceled due to inclement weather. NEW accessible trail loop work to begin this summer!![]()
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For more information about this event visit us on our website!![]()
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www.hawkridge.org
Bald Eagles galore! We are one Bald Eagle away from 6,000 individuals counted since March 1st. Will you be at the count to see number 6,000!? Join us for the last three days of the West Skyline Spring Count which ends on May 31st!![]()
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Final spring public programs are this weekend:![]()
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Warbler Walk - Sat May 30th @ 1 pm![]()
Wings over West Skyline - Sun May 31st @ 1 pm![]()
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Thanks to all have joined us to marvel at the spectacle of migration this spring. We hope to see you for the final days of the spring count!
See the number, speed, direction, and altitude of the birds cruising through the darkness on spring and fall nights by visiting BirdCast.
