Garden Wildlife UK

Cheers all.

For the first time this winter there were many gulls today. Most in flocks, flying north-east for some reason. Happened 4 times that I saw so may have been more.

I had about 14 yesterday the neighbour put out a Loaf.they are big birds when they are ground level.

Although I have Black Headed Gulls living locally I have never seen one land in my garden. They are a little more timid than the Herring Gull and the Lesser Black Backed who will steal the dinner of your plate given half a chance.

The gulls will land in the field but never in our garden, and yes they are big at ground level.

Photo taken at Llandudno N.Wales 2014. These will take your fish and chips out of your hand if your not careful.

A Herring Gull is a handsome bird. It really is a pity they are greedy thieves.

Good j0nh.

Walk around the garden with some fish and chips or put some on the bird table - that might bring them in

H. gulls really are quite intimidating . Was trapped (in Llandudno as it happens !!) by a gang of them. Not to be forgotten - or tried again

There are problems here in Dumfries and adjacent housing estates. People have reported to have been attacked. I even saw a Labrador sized dog attach by one a few years ago. Council have tried various option. Placing decoy Owls on buildings used for nesting. They even brought in handlers with birds of prey to scare them off. Didn't work as well as expected as quite often you would see a couple of Herring Gulls chasing the bird of prey.

Part of the problem is the waste bins in the street being overfilled and not emptied often enough. People are also part of the problem. Some just don't care where they discard their rubbish that maybe still contain some food. Where are the Litter Wardens when you need one.

Unfortunately, Herring Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

This makes it illegal to intentionally or, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, recklessly injure or kill any gull or damage or destroy an active nest or its contents. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is also illegal to prevent birds from accessing their nest, and in Northern Ireland, it is illegal to disturb any nesting bird.

Not much hope for us!!!!!!!