Hibbard 2 — webcam in Duluth with views of hawks and Lake Superior

Hawk Ridge Observatory — the World Capital of Raptor Watching

Duluth, stretching along the western tip of Lake Superior, is known far beyond Minnesota primarily for Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory — a nature reserve and observatory considered one of the best places on the continent to observe raptor migration. It is here, on the ridge of hills above the shoreline, that the Hibbard 2 hawk camera is installed — the online stream allows anyone with internet access to see this unique place.

The Audubon Society describes Hawk Ridge as "one of the best places in North America" for observing raptor migration. This is no exaggeration: Duluth's geographic location creates ideal conditions for the concentration of migratory birds. Most raptors during fall migration follow the shoreline of Lake Superior, using updrafts along the rocky slopes. The webcam in Duluth offers a chance to join thousands of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts who flock here every year.

History of Raptor Migration Research in Duluth

Systematic study of raptor migration in the Duluth area began in the first half of the 20th century. One of the pioneers was P. B. Hofslund — an ornithologist who was the first to begin regular observations and counts of passing hawks and eagles on the ridge. His work laid the foundation for decades of continuous research.

A turning point came in 1972 when the Duluth Bird Club was transformed into a new chapter of the Audubon Society in Duluth. The Minnesota chapter of the Nature Conservancy provided a loan to Audubon, which then donated $11,744 to the city of Duluth to acquire the land. Since then, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory has been conducting research for over 50 years — making it one of the longest-running annual raptor migration monitoring programs in the world.

Fall Migration: When and What to See

The main event of the year at Hawk Ridge is the fall migration, which lasts from mid-September through November. It is during this period that the live webcam shows the most impressive spectacle: streams of hawks, falcons, and eagles stretching along the Lake Superior shoreline. An average of about 27,000 individuals are recorded per season, and in some years this number exceeds 30,000.

Migrating raptors arrive from summer breeding grounds located as far north as the Arctic, while their wintering grounds lie to the south, reaching as far as parts of South America. Duluth sits at the intersection of these giant flyways, making the Hibbard 2 hawk camera a window into one of the greatest natural phenomena on the planet.

The highlight of the season is the annual festival held on the third full weekend of September, when tens of thousands of visitors come to Duluth to witness the mass migration with their own eyes. During these days the online webcam is in especially high demand — not everyone can attend in person, but technology makes it possible to watch from anywhere in the world.

Raptor Species Diversity at Lake Superior

The Lake Superior region is renowned not only for the number but also the diversity of raptors. Among the regular migration participants visible on the Duluth camera are: bald eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk, goshawk, and turkey vulture. Each of these species has its own migration timing and preferred weather conditions.

In spring, the Hawk Ridge count site records over 600 bald eagles per season. These majestic birds are especially noticeable when perched in tall trees on the cliffs or soaring over the water in search of fish. Peregrine falcons nest on rocky ledges above Lake Superior, and their swift hunting dives are among the most thrilling sights for observers.

Interestingly, for more than a century, every 10,000 northern goshawks migrated south from Canada through Minnesota. However, in recent decades, the numbers in invasion years have sharply declined, and scientists still cannot precisely explain the cause of this phenomenon. Observations via the webcam and on-site continue to gather data for research.

Geography and Location of the Observatory

The observatory and hawk count site are located on East Skyline Parkway — a scenic road running along the ridge of hills above the Lake Superior shoreline. The Hibbard 2 hawk camera is installed within the nature reserve and is aimed at the area where birds concentrate before crossing the bay.

Duluth is situated at 46° north latitude, at the westernmost tip of the world's largest freshwater lake. The city's terrain consists of steep slopes rising from the water to heights of over 200 meters. It is this elevation change that creates powerful thermal updrafts, which raptors use to conserve energy during long-distance migration. The live camera captures this natural infrastructure — invisible to the eye but evident from the behavior of the birds on screen.

Weather Conditions and Their Impact on Observations

Lake Superior creates a unique microclimate in the Duluth area. Winters here are cold and snowy, while summers are mild and cool thanks to the enormous body of water that smooths temperature fluctuations. For birdwatching via the online webcam, weather is of critical importance.

The best conditions for observation are clear days with a moderate west or northwest wind. In such weather, raptors fly low along the ridge and can be seen in detail. Overcast rainy weather, on the other hand, causes birds to delay migration. In winter, when the lake freezes over, the landscape on camera changes beyond recognition — snow-covered slopes and dark water create an entirely different mood for the stream.

What the Camera Shows

The Hibbard 2 hawk camera broadcasts from the grounds of Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth. During daylight hours in migration season (September through November), the camera captures passing raptors: hawks, falcons, eagles, and other birds of prey following the Lake Superior shoreline. At other times, the camera shows the nature reserve landscape — forested slopes, rocky outcrops, and the water surface in the distance.

At night, the camera image is almost completely dark with digital noise — this is due to the extremely low light levels at the site. A small fragment may be visible at the right edge of the frame, possibly a logo or text element, but it is illegible. For birdwatching, it is recommended to watch the stream during daylight hours, especially in the morning and midday during the fall migration period.