Spring Migration Workshop Weekend
Hawk Ridge has been monitoring the fall bird migration since the 1950’s, but did you know that the West Skyline Hawk Count ranks as one of the top sites in the US for numbers and diversity of raptors during the spring migration? Late April is likely to provide a wide variety and ages of raptors traveling through on their way north, as well as plenty of other species of birds. Join us for an exciting workshop exploring the spring 2022 migration!
Have you ever wondered about differences in spring migration versus fall? Do birds use the same route in the spring that they used in the fall? Do adult birds and immature birds travel at the same time? Can you age and sex a bird in flight? How does weather impact migration patterns, what is fallout- is there raptor fallout? This workshop will address all of these questions, as well as the overall science of spring migration, learning basic ID skills, and counting essentials, natural history, current Hawk Ridge Research, and exploring first hand one of the top spring raptor migration sites in the US, and the Duluth Harbor and St. Louis River area for migrants of all types!
This field-oriented program will explore different count locations based on what is happening with the weather. We will drive to other locations as needed. Late April weather can be unpredictable, so we will plan to have an indoor space where we can meet as needed to warm up, dry off and explore things indoors as needed. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCHEDULE or see below.
Workshop sessions will be lead by Margie Menzies, Hawk Ridge Education Director, helped by Frank Nicoletti, Banding and Spring Count Director, and assisted by other Hawk Ridge Count Staff/Volunteers, and other potential experts present during the time of the workshop sessions.
What to bring: Dress in layers for weather, hiking shoes/boots, binoculars (note: we will have loaner binoculars available for use), water/drink, and other optional items might include field guide, camera, spotting scope, snacks, and portable chair for the sessions at the West Skyline Spring Count.
REGISTRATION INFO
The workshop includes 8 individual sessions. Full workshop fee is $180.00 for Hawk Ridge Members, Students, Master Naturalists or $250.00 for non-members. If you’d like to attend, but are financially unable at this time, please contact Janelle at jlong@hawkridge.org for assistance- we want our programming accessible to all.
NOTE: Full weekend workshop discounted registration due by Mon. 4/17. The workshop is limited to 15 participants with minimum of 5. Please complete the following online form to register for the Hawk Ridge Spring Migration Weekend.
Further information regarding logistics will be provided to participants prior to the workshop. General visitor viewing at the West Skyline Spring Count takes place daily through May 31 (visiting the site is free of charge and does not require registration – you can just show up and enjoy the migration with us!). Questions? Contact Margie Menzies at mmenzies@hawkridge.org
REGISTER NOW
SCHEDULE
Friday, April 21- 6:30-8:00 PM
VIRTUAL Spring Migration Intro Session (via Zoom)
We will begin the workshop with an online overview session addressing the mechanics of migration, how weather impacts bird movement, and tools to use to predict bird movement, and other material better suited for online presentation. The Zoom link for the presentation will be emailed to you the week of the presentation.
Saturday, April 22- 6:30-8:30 AM
IN PERSON Park Point Field Trip
Join us bright and early Saturday morning for a fantastic birding trip. We will bird at Park Point to discover who’s on the lake, who’s in the harbor, and who’s present on the land between. Park Point is one of the great birding destinations in Duluth during migration. A wide variety of waterfowl can be seen here- unusual loon species, shorebirds, and plenty of songbirds as well. Many birds migrate over the length of the point as they move through the area, which can be breathtaking! Plan to meet at Park Point Recreation Area in the main parking area across from the restroom building and community sailing dock.
Saturday, April 22- 9:30-11:30 AM
IN PERSON West Skyline Spring Count Intro Field Session
We will spend the morning at the Hawk Ridge West Skyline Spring Count. We will focus on basic ID skills by families of birds, learn about where these birds are coming from and where they are likely headed, and learn basic flight styles at the count area. Note: We will plan to meet at Twin Ponds Parking area on West Skyline Parkway and have a short hike in via the road in to the Enger count site (below Enger Park). However, if the winds are from the East or Northeast directly off the lake, we may need to change meeting location to the Thompson Hill count site (below Thompson Hill rest area) or move indoors with inclement weather. We will give notice of this change via cell phone (be sure to include cell number in your registration information, so we can contact you if needed).
Saturday, April 22- 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
LUNCH BREAK (NO SESSION)
Lunch and creature comfort break. Restrooms are generally not very close- though there are usually porta-potties at Enger Park. We won’t cover content formally during this time- but feel free to bring a lunch if you just want to stick around the count area during this break. Otherwise plan to meet back at the same location as the morning count session for the afternoon session.
Saturday, April 22- 1:30-3:30 PM
IN PERSON Eagles, Turkey Vultures and Osprey Field Session (at West Skyline Spring Count Site)
We will spend the afternoon at the Hawk Ridge West Skyline Spring Count. We will of course take advantage of whatever happens to fly by in the afternoon, but concentrate on specific flight behaviors, natural history information, Hawk Ridge research efforts, and of course identification basics for Eagles, Turkey Vultures, and Ospreys. Note: We will plan to meet at Twin Ponds Parking area on West Skyline Parkway and have a short hike in via the road to the Enger count site (below Enger Park). However, if the winds are from the East or Northeast directly off the lake, we may need to change meeting location to the Thompson Hill count site (below Thompson Hill rest area) or move indoors with inclement weather. We will give notice of this change via cell phone (be sure to include cell number in your registration information, so we can contact you if needed).
Saturday, April 22- 4:30-6:30 PM
IN PERSON Mud Lake/St. Louis River Field Trip
Late afternoon and early evening can be a good time for watching bird behaviors as they begin to settle prior to the night. Mud Lake is one of the best places for observing a wide variety of waterfowl including Tundra Swans. Sandhill Cranes, Herons, and Pelicans are often observed flying over, and early sparrows are all possibilities here along with Red-winged Blackbirds, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds historically bred here. Grebes, rails, and mergansers are common here as well. We will hike on a railroad track through wetland areas. Specific directions for this location will be provided after registration.
Sunday, April 23- 6:30-8:30 AM
IN PERSON Indian Point & Western Waterfront Trail Field Trip
Indian Point and the Western Waterfront Trail will be our destination this morning. This is a great location for exploring the arrival of early passerine species along the woody hillside that surrounds the public campground area. Wetlands and waterfowl also surround the campground area. Specific directions for this location will be provided after registration.
Sunday, April 23- 9:30-11:30 AM
IN PERSON Accipiters and Falcons Field Session (at West Skyline Spring Count Site)
We will spend the morning at the Hawk Ridge West Skyline Spring Count. We will of course take advantage of whatever happens to fly by in the morning, but concentrate on specific flight behaviors, natural history information, Hawk Ridge research efforts, and of course identification basics for Accipiters (Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, & Goshawks) and Falcons (Merlin, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon). Note: We will plan to meet at Twin Ponds Parking area on West Skyline Parkway and have a short hike in via the road to the Enger count site (below Enger Park). However, if the winds are from the East or Northeast directly off the lake, we may need to change meeting location to the Thompson Hill count site (below Thompson Hill rest area) or move indoors with inclement weather. We will give notice of this change via cell phone (be sure to include cell number in your registration information, so we can contact you if needed).
Sunday, April 23, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
LUNCH BREAK (NO SESSION)
Lunch and creature comfort break. Restrooms are generally not very close- though there are usually porta-potties at Enger Park. We won’t cover content formally during this time- but feel free to bring a lunch if you just want to stick around the count area during this break. Otherwise plan to meet back at the same location as the morning count session for the afternoon session.
Sunday, April 23, 1:30-3:30 PM
IN PERSON Buteos, Harriers, & Occasional Raptors Field Session (at West Skyline Spring Count Site)
We will spend the afternoon at the Hawk Ridge West Skyline Spring Count. We will of course take advantage of learning about whatever happens to fly by in the afternoon, but concentrate on specific flight behaviors, natural history information, Hawk Ridge research efforts, and of course identification basics for Buteos (Broad-winged, Red-tailed, and Rough-legged Hawks), Harriers, and Occasional Raptors (Swainson’s, Red-shouldered, Mississippi Kite). We will explore the wonders of these birds, as well as some of finer points of the migration count. We will pull all the pieces of the workshop together during this last session. Note: We will plan to meet at Twin Ponds Parking area on West Skyline Parkway and have a short hike in via the road to the Enger count site (below Enger Park). However, if the winds are from the East or Northeast directly off the lake, we may need to change meeting location to the Thompson Hill count site (below Thompson Hill rest area) or move indoors with inclement weather. We will give notice of this change via cell phone (be sure to include cell number in your registration information, so we can contact you if needed).