Seagulls are wonderful birds that in nature that 100 years ago, all lived on cliffs by the sea (they have a special gland that works like a mini-kidney to filter out salt, so they can drink seawater). In nature, gullseat fish, shrimp and crustaceans (not bread, ice-cream and bags of chips). Over-fishing has caused birds to go inland for opportunistic eating (Wildlife Ambulance suggests using an umbrella to protect yourself from ‘swoopers’ over sticks or rakes, that encourages gulls to attack).
England has a few species including herring gulls (the most common), and black-based or black-backed gulls (small and large respectively). Kittiwakes are also gulls, named after their call. If you don’t adore the early morning calls of gulls by the sea, then don’t move to the coast! Despite some people not being fans, seagulls are highly protected, so it’s illegal to harm or disturb them. Report concerns to Wildlife Crime Unit or Crimestoppers (anonymous).
Unless they are starving or at risk, don’t feed gulls as this encourages them to rely on you (and come near dogs, cats, traffic and people who don’t like gulls). If you already feed them, gradually reduce food over warmer months, when there is plenty of natural food around. Never feed birds stale, crusty or mouldy bread, as it can choke or harm (butter from sandwiches can smear on feathers, affecting waterproofing and insulation – salt is also toxic to birds – including gulls whose special gland simply filters it out of seawater).
Don’t drop food litter (one farmer wants fast food outlets to print registration numbers on receipts, so people who throw litter out the window get fined, just like a speeding ticket). If you use black bin bags that are raised by gulls, foxes and rats – WeirBag and Sackmaker make gull-proof sacks, which are emptied into the truck and returned empty. Liverpool is replacing wheelie bins with underground bins that stop rubbish piling up on street (a signal is sent when full, to empty it).
If bothered by gulls landing on the roof, PiCAS offers effective affordable methods used by offices, councils, schools and hospitals to deter them (and pigeons and doves). They say nearly all issues are due to gulls returning to the same areas to breed – if these are blocked, gulls move on.
Read The Gull Next Door, a unique meditation of a misunderstood bird, with tips to protect gulls. They may seem loud and aggressive, yet seafarers regard them with respect and affection. The author grew up in a seaside town, and is a passionate advocate for these under-appreciated birds. Also read The Seafarers (a journey from anxiety-life-in-London to a journey from Shetland Isles via the Farne Islands to the Pembrokeshire coast to meet gulls, Arctic terns and other seabirds).
We humans notice when other animals live in our space, and use resources that we want for ourselves. Or even when they just use the stuff that accumulates around us, that we don’t really need. If those animals make themselves noticed (even just a little), we don’t like it. And we punish those animals without mercy. Marianne Taylor
how to help injured or orphaned gulls
Seagulls are excellent parents and in most cases will never abandon chicks, so will be nearby. Wildlife Ambulance has tips to know if a gull is safe or abandoned, and what to do (including how to safely replace chicks on roofs if fallen off, ensuring fresh water nearby). This post & RSPB has info on helping injured/orphaned gulls. Wild Bird Rehab has advice, if you need to contact a local wildlife rescue.
