A Kelp Gull was found in Milwaukee! It is apparently breeding with an American Herring Gull. They have a nest together on a roof top building under the Hoan Bridge, Jones Island area. I was up north this past weekend when word got it, so the earliest I could get there was Monday afternoon. When I arrived there were several others watching and I guess it had just flown in. Guess I had some good luck in not having to wait. I watched the Kelp Gull sit on the peakof the roof and do some light preening. The fledgling moved around a little, but didn’t do much. It appeared to be hot, with it’s mouth open and I’m assuming trying to cool off. As of this writing, on Wednesday morning, the fledgling has perished. It was seen Tuesday afternoon, not moving and staying in the same spot, with the parents looking over it. Some other reports have thought it appears to be moving things around or slightly building the nest back up, so maybe another round of mating will occur. I’m glad I went the soonest I could and didn’t miss out on the little hybrid. Port Milwaukee General Cargo Terminal 2, is the building it’s on. You can view the nest and the bird from Lincoln Memorial Dr, by pulling off the road, next to the fence and looking through the fence. If you do go, please use common sense and watch out for traffic, workers and trains. This is a 1st state record, a life bird and state bird #345 for me. Photos below are from Monday afternoon, 6/16. They were shot at 1200mm and are heavily cropped due to the distance they are from the fence. Enjoy!
