[mou] Great Black-backed Gull in Duluth

[Eckert K R]

A first-winter Great Black-backed Gull was seen in the Duluth harbor 
area shortly after noon today. It was standing among several Herring 
Gulls on the dock next to the Gerdau Ameristeel building. To reach this 
location from I-35, go south on I-535, take the Garfield Ave/Port 
Terminal exit just before the bridge, bear right and turn right again 
at the blue Gerdau Ameristeel sign just before the UPS building. As 
this road curves right, there is a wide pullout on the left from which 
you can scan the small wooden dock to the north. It is also possible to 
drive farther north towards the building to get closer to the dock: I 
have birded here several times in the past without a problem, staying 
out of the way of trucks, but if anyone is around it wouldn't hurt to 
ask permission.

If the gull is not there, check the Miller Creek mudflats farther north 
near the corner of I-35 and I-535 where gulls often congregate. From 
I-35, take the 27th Ave West exit, cross over to the bay side of the 
freeway, take the first left by the WLSSD sewage treatment buildings, 
and continue east ~1/2 mile until you see the gulls and mudflats on 
your right.  - Kim Eckert