Eyes to the Sky

As one of the best sites in the world for viewing migrating raptors, Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth is a bird lover’s dream. For Janelle Long, it’s a dream come true. In 2007 Long was hired as the first full-time executive director of Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, the nonprofit group that manages the bird research and educational programs at the reserve. Since then she, along with staff and volunteers, has helped this avian attraction grow from a side-of-the-road hot spot for viewing migrating birds to an internationally renowned birding destination, research station, nature center, outdoor recreation hub, and more.

Q | What’s kept you anchored to Hawk Ridge for nearly two decades? 
The birds, the people, and the place. It’s almost hypnotizing during the fall to watch the birds coming through. Birds are beautiful, inspiring, and healing. They catch our attention in the moment, reminding us to slow down and enjoy life. We have amazing people who have been involved for over 50 years serving as board members, as committee members, as volunteers. We have visitors who come back year after year. Hawk Ridge is a special place to connect with people and birds and little sparks of nature all around.

Q | What is your “I love nature” origin story?
I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We made frequent trips to the Wehr Nature Center, and we had a wonderful field that I used as my nature playscape. I continued my interest in college with degrees in wildlife management and biology from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, which really opened my eyes to the world of birds. I spent several seasons assisting with bird research projects and working seasonally at nature centers. I then pursued a graduate degree in environmental education at the University of Minnesota Duluth in conjunction with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, where I was first introduced to Hawk Ridge. I’d heard it was a special place, so I went first as a visitor and was amazed by all happening there, then volunteered to help with a winter owl survey Hawk Ridge was helping coordinate. It felt like a Harry Potter experience, driving up North Shore roads and seeing great gray owls and northern hawk owls and boreal owls. My love of birding was fueled even more, and I feel so grateful to continue that story with my career today.

Q | What makes Hawk Ridge such a hot spot for viewing migrating birds?
Hawk Ridge is easily accessed off a scenic byway with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Superior. As warm air pushes up along the rocky ridgeline of the North Shore, it creates thermals and updrafts where raptors can soar and glide without having to expend a lot of energy, so it’s an efficient way to migrate. Hawk Ridge provides a great vantage point for a bird’s-eye view.

Q | How did Hawk Ridge come to be?
Hawk Ridge was once known as a place for target practice and killing of raptors before migratory bird laws were in place. In the early 1950s, the first ornithology professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Dr. Pershing “Jack” Hofslund, started documenting the migration through informal raptor counts. The Duluth Audubon Society furthered awareness and raised funds for the city to purchase and protect the land. The 365-acre Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve was established in 1972 for the purpose of bird research and education. That year they started the formal raptor count and raptor banding research, with education following shortly after, and it has continued to grow.

Q | How have things changed over time?
Hawk Ridge started with a focus on raptors, but in the last 20 years we’ve expanded to counting, banding, and teaching about all birds. Our education programs and visitor services continue to grow, with nearly 40,000 people visiting during the fall bird migration. We are expanding into spring migration with our West Skyline count and education programs, as well as summer research.

Q | What’s next?
We are working with the city on a Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve facilities improvement plan focusing on accessibility, safety, and education. While our main overlook is a very accessible space, we have outgrown it, and our trails are rocky and rugged. So our first phase is creating and constructing a new accessible loop trail with interpretive signage, education program spaces, and an accessible restroom. Second is expanding visitor observation platforms off the roadway and creating safe walkways. We also plan to add an amphitheater space, a covered picnic shelter, and a nature playscape.