LITTLE GEMS
New and rare gull species were found in Wisconsin.
To many Wisconsinites, all of the squawking, whitish birds along our lakefronts are known as “seagulls.” Interestingly, there is no species with that name. But Wisconsin is home to about 20 gull species, including the most common, the Herring and ring-billed, as well as many similar species, such as terns.
In June 2025, a kelp gull was spotted nesting on Milwaukee’s lakefront, marking the first verified sighting of the species in Wisconsin. It even has birders traveling to Milwaukee from near and far to see the handsome, black-and-white gull. Experts have since positively identified and documented the bird, which is typically found along the coasts of South America, New Zealand, and Australia. The farthest north they have been located is Louisiana. The kelp gull mated with a Herring gull, and the pair had a chick. Both adults were seen tending the chick, but the chick died in mid-June. It’s not known if the kelp gull will leave the area. It will never be known how a kelp gull ended up in Brew City, but many are happy he now calls Milwaukee home, even if it is his temporary home.
Down and around Hebron, the southern limit of the GSR’s area.
Highway 173 leading east and west into Hebron from Richmond to the east is finally be going to paved with new asphalt by the middle of July and fully operational by month’s end, making life a lot cleaner and easier for a community where that highway cuts the town right down the center just like the rebuilding of Highway 50 will do to Lake Geneva in late 2006 or 2007. The highway revamp was targeted to take three months, and that goal is likely to be met. Lake Geneva’s highway rebuild is targeted to take seven months.
Person of the Week
Eileen…to be found at the farmer’s market in Lake Geneva. Her seasoned nuts are divine! As is she…
