While atlasing for the WVBBA, Dan Sanders, Doreene Linzell and I came 
across a pair of Herring Gulls at the Racine Locks. They are rare nesters 
on the Ohio River, one confirmed north of Pittsburgh this year Nearby 
Huntington is the farthest south they have nested inland (So I have been 
told). The Huntington pair nested below the locks on the rocky bank.It is 
difficult to see the river banks in the Racine area.
They are not on the WV breeding bird list. Anyone in the Gallapolis or 
Marietta area in the next two months, may want to make a side trip to look 
for recently fledged young. Being included in the WV atlas would depend on 
which river bank they nested, but worth a look.
Also of interest, I saw a Virginia Rail along the reeds at a water 
deprived woodland swamp at the Tappan Lake spillway. When I startled it, 
it gave a series of warning grunts. No chicks were seen. I had two CA 
chickadee nests on the same stub only three feet apart, both nests had 
adults actively feeding young. Seems like a close nesting for this 
beligerent little bird.

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