Hawk Ridge Fall Bird Migration Traineeships & Apprenticeships

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth, MN is one of the premier fall bird migration sites in North America. Raptor migration research and education have been conducted at the site for over 50 years! It’s the western-most count on the Great Lakes with an advantageous location on a rocky ridge overlooking the western tip of beautiful Lake Superior. Annual fall averages include 63,000 raptors and 200,000+ passerines/other birds counted and approximately 3,000 raptors banded. Fall migration highlights include an amazing diversity of 15-20 different raptor species! The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) is the non-profit organization that manages and provides bird research and education at the nature reserve.

The fall research and education staff of HRBO are key representatives in HRBO’s mission of promoting conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. As part of its educational and conservation goals, HRBO is offering 3 traineeships and 2 bird banding apprenticeships for the fall 2024 season. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking hands-on professional experience to assist them in their pursuit of higher-level education and/or career related to bird research or environmental education. Trainees spend time in all 3 key fall program areas of our count, banding, and education. The banding apprenticeships require some prior banding experience and will be focused on bird banding research (songbirds, raptors, owls). Training is led by our managers with much knowledge and expertise in the field.

Trainees and banding apprentices will be provided a stipend and lodging. In order to apply, trainees must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and personal vehicle for transportation. For more info about the positions & to apply, please go to https://www.hawkridge.org/about-us/employment-internships/