23-06-2025
‘Extremely rare' bird spotted in Wisconsin is a ‘complete mystery,' birders say
An 'extremely rare' Kelp Gull has been spotted in an unusual place — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, officials confirm.
How it got to a northern state is a 'complete mystery,' according to a June 13 news release from the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II.
Some sightings in the northern hemisphere have occurred since the 1980s, according to the National Audubon Society, but Kelp Gulls have typically stayed in the southern parts of the United States if they go north. Experts told WISN the bird is most often found in South America, New Zealand and Australia.
'During the 1990s, a few Kelp Gulls wandered elsewhere in North America, including Texas, Maryland, and Indiana, and there have been scattered records since then,' the National Audubon Society said on their website.
The bird is recognized by its black back and wings and 'greenish-yellow' legs, according to eBird.
The Kelp Gull has nested among Herring Gulls on a rooftop and paired with a mate, birder Tom Schultz said in the news release. One chick was seen in the nest.
The sighting has attracted bird watchers to Milwaukee, but there is only one location to spot the Kelp Gull, officials said.
'There is only one safe viewing location to see this gull, and that is from UNDER the Hoan Bridge. The building is at 1414 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive, and called Port Milwaukee Cargo Terminal 2 on Google maps,' officials said.
It may not always be seen at the nest, however, birders said. It takes turns nesting with its Herring Gull mate.
As excited viewers flock to the area, Schultz warns that crowds can disrupt the busy area.
'We are very concerned about traffic congestion in this viewing location, as this is a business district, and too many birders and parked cars could cause problems,' Schultz said. 'It is even possible that the warehouse owners could become annoyed enough that they might seek to eliminate this rooftop nesting colony. Best behavior and carpooling are strongly encouraged!'
