Gulls – Love Them or Hate Them?

Humans have created such an ideal habitat for seagulls, or more particularly Herring Gulls in this part of Scotland, that these intelligent and versatile birds are finding our environment simply irresistible!

Gull getting a free Fish Supper!

A perpetual supply and abundance of fresh food together with the perfect nesting grounds for the huge urban gull colonies – the larger the supermarket roof the larger the colony – means these birds are here to stay. Non-lethal attempts to deter the gulls from nesting in urban areas have been largely unsuccessful. Attempts to scare the gulls away using working birds of prey are similarly ineffective. These particular birds are large, powerful and aggressive as individuals and are more than capable of fighting back against any potential predator. Herring Gulls are far more aggressive during the breeding season which also makes them perfect parents!

Taking into account these birds are able to live for almost 50 years, have an annual adult mortality rate of less than 5% and are able to successfully rear three chicks per year has resulted in a massive increase in numbers over a relatively short period of time thereby bringing the species into conflict with humans.

Graceful Gull

But watch these beautiful birds in flight. They are natural acrobats. Turning sharply in mid-flight, manoevering with such dexterity and agility and gliding on any available thermals just for the sheer delight in it! These birds simply love to fly.

Ever seen the gulls on a patch of grass or an open field? They are absolutely fascinating to watch. These birds have learned when they tread heavily on the grass, imitating rainfall, earthworms work their way to the surface and the birds receive a free meal! When a large flock of gulls work together they are similar to a group of dancers on the stage as their feet are synchronised!

Herring Gulls in Flight

Herring gulls can frequently be seen to drop shelled prey from a height in order to break the shell. In addition, the Herring Gull has been observed using pieces of bread as bait with which to catch goldfish! In fact, these birds are very intelligent and learn quickly. Once a new trick has been learned somehow the method used is passed throughout the entire flock. Almost faster than email!

Herring gulls were also spotted in Glasgow City Centre attacking pigeons initially to steal their food but once the gulls realised the pigeons themselves tasted pretty good suddenly the pigeon population plummeted!

Love them, or hate them, Herring Gulls are most certainly here to stay. We invited these fascinating birds in with our wasteful habits, so perhaps we should cut them a little slack and admire their ingenuity and versatility.