Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge

Founded in 1913, the refuge consists of two Lake Michigan islands that act as nesting grounds for native bird species.

It is inhabited by large colonies of shore birds and waterfowl in addition to hosting a pair of great black-backed gulls, one of farthest westward breeding sites of the species.

Ornithologist Henry L. Ward, then-curator of the Milwaukee Public Museum, visited the area numerous times to study the herring gull populations.

[8] They were shaped by years of receding water, powerful pre-glacial rivers, and advancing glaciers.

[1] The refuge is home for to a wide array of bird species that either use the islands as nesting grounds or as a place of shelter.

Spider Island, June 1994
In 2011, 1,000 double-crested cormorant chicks were banded. As an intern, Mandy was the first to take hold of a sleepy chick. Everything was done at night so that the chicks would be sleeping and less aware.