Fall Bird Banding Apprenticeship

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Location: Duluth, MN

Position Dates: August 27th-October 31st 2026

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve 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! Annual fall averages include 60,000 raptors and 200,000+ passerines/other birds counted and approximately 2,500 raptors banded. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) in Duluth, MN 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.

HRBO is offering two Bird Banding Apprenticeships for those seeking to train and gain further skills pertaining to bird banding research. Training will primarily focus on raptor banding (hawks and owls), but opportunities will be available for passerine banding (songbirds). The goal of the apprenticeship program is to provide an opportunity to gain hands-on field training experience to help assist with future research projects, as part of their career or higher-level education. Apprentices will train with key staff with extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 prior position/training/seasonal field experience with bird banding.
• An intent to continue to pursue a career or higher-level education related to ornithology.
• Apprentices must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and personal vehicle for transportation. 

Stipend: $400 per week, lodging provided if available