Hawk Ridge: Minnesota’s Birds of Prey

Was Caesar like the eagle because of his aquiline (from aquila, for u201ceagleu201d in Latin) nose, or does the eagle seem imperial because of his Caesar-like beak? Does the sharp vision of a u201chawk-eyedu201d observer have any basis in nature? And what the heck is u201ckettlingu201d to a bird-watcher, or, for that matter, a bird? Raptors have captured the imagination from time immemorial and have an especially rich history in Minnesota. The ancient peoples whose pictographs adorn the rock faces of Lake Superioru2019s North Shore may well have witnessed the first hawk movements along Lake Superior-the same annual migration that today draws as many as twenty thousand people to Duluthu2019s Hawk Ridge. These birds, passing through in astounding numbers, are among the hawks and accipiters, buteos and harriers, eagles and ospreys pictured and profiled in detail in this book.Written by one of Minnesotau2019s best-known bird authorities, with images by one of the stateu2019s favorite illustrators, Hawk Ridge is as fun as it is informative. It introduces the stateu2019s raptors, from the rare visitor to the most familiar hawk, noting each speciesu2019 signature traits-osprey wings, for instance, are crooked to help them catch fish; vultures urinate on their legs to cool themselves-and their nesting, breeding, and migrating habits. Did you know that Sharp-shinned Hawks banded at Hawk Ridge have been found throughout Central America and even into South America, and also, in midwinter, in Wisconsin? Laura Erickson offers a broad perspective (a birdu2019s-eye view!), making sense of the raptoru2019s role in the larger ornithological scheme.With descriptions of various species-and helpful distinctions between species, families, and orders-the book gives readers a clear idea of which raptors might be seen in Minnesota, when, where, and how often. It also includes a hawk migration primer that explains the movements that bring these birds in such awe-inspiring numbers to places like Hawk Ridge. Filled with curious facts and practical information for expert and amateur bird-watcher alike, the book is at once a guide to the hawks of Minnesota and a beautifully illustrated album of the most regal members of the avian kingdom.