It’s been a busy summer at Tamarack Wildlife Center.

“I would say we are in the thick of responding to an active situation,” executive director Carol Holmgren said. 

It’s a wildlife rehab facility in Sagertown. 

“We are the only one in northwest Pennsylvania, and we receive patients from over nine counties,” she said. 

Some of them are seagulls nesting on the roofs of buildings along West 12th St. in Erie.

“If they’re getting uncomfortable, they can jump to attempt to get to someplace cooler and become injured or orphaned,” she said. “Some were even jumping into the road or running into the road.”

They’ve taken in about 30 birds so far.

Chicks being treated Friday were found dehydrated and orphaned along West 12th St.

They’ll be released once they’re better.

Holmgren said the problem started last year.

That’s why they were ready for the seagulls to nest again.

“We don’t need to wait for a member of the public to notice a chick in trouble. We have people voluntarily going there daily,” she said.  

Seagulls are nesting on buildings all over North America. The center has been working with other cities to see what can be done.

“We’ve been in touch with folks in Toronto, Canada, all the way down to people in a variety of places in Florida,” she said. 

They want to work with businesses to add shade structures or fencing around roofs. 

“Those are two efforts that have been demonstrated elsewhere in the United States, especially some Florida projects.”

The seagulls aren’t going anywhere, so Holmgren said to keep an eye out for ones that need help.

“If you’re concerned, take a photo, give us a call, and we will help evaluate whether admission is needed.”