2026 Conference

Greetings!

On behalf of everyone at the Raptor Research Foundation and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, we extend a warm greeting and invite you to join us at the 2026 annual international conference in Duluth, MN, USA. We are excited to host the conference in Duluth, MN for a 4th time (1980, 1995, 2011, & now 2026!). Witnessing the amazing fall bird migration at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth is an experience you don’t want to miss! 

Over 200,000 birds are counted each fall at Hawk Ridge, including an average of 60,000 raptors of nearly 20 raptor species. Some of the favorite October hawkwatching highlights include Bald & Golden Eagles, American Goshawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks. Hawk Ridge is also well known for its 50+ year raptor banding research, especially owls with Northern Saw-whet Owls and Long-eared Owls being the 2 most commonly banded species. Hawk Ridge naturalists and volunteers share their passion and knowledge about birds and migration daily at the nature reserve, including live education bird demonstrations, public programs, migration interpretation, and guided hikes. We look forward to seeing you at the Ridge!

Duluth, MN being on the western point of Lake Superior provides a great vantage point for many birding hotspots to enjoy, such as Park Point Recreation Area & St. Louis River Estuary for shorebirds, warblers, and waterfowl. Heading up the North Shore of the lake to the North Woods, including the vast Superior National Forest, boreal species are abundant. Field trips will also be offered to visit the famous Sax-Zim Bog (Boreal Chickadees, Rusty Blackbirds, perhaps early Great Gray & Northern Hawk Owls). 

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

For questions contact Local Conference Committee co-chairs from Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory: Janelle Long, Executive Director, jlong@hawkridge.org and Emily Pavlovic, Research Director, epavlovic@hawkridge.org