Seagull

Herring Gulls

by Jeff Bevan · 27th July 2024

Tontoe

Please forgive me, this post is a bit more controversial than normal. I understand why some people may disagree with the views expressed. But here goes…

On a recent trip to the Welsh coast I met a herring gull that the locals called Tontoe. It was only later that I realised that this name means fat ass. Is this the view we have of seagulls?

All across the country you are presented with warnings about this new villain of the peace.

Please do not feed the seagulls – West Bay, Dorset, UK. ID JB_2770

I grew up on the coast. In the eighties I worked for a seaside council doing jobs such as collecting deck chair tickets. Back then people were happy to live alongside seagulls. Then, following some bad publicity, people changed their attitude over night.

No one wants to be attacked by a seagull. But you may be surprised that the number of herring gulls is in rapid decline. Conservation organisations have added them to their red lists. These identify species under threat of extinction.

Overfishing has taken their natural food supply. We have been evicted them from their natural habitats. Oil pollution and pesticides have taken their toll. As a result seagulls have had to adapt. They found abundant food supply in our mess, refuse bags, and bins. They found safe nesting sites on our buildings.

Herring Gulls – Clevedon, North Somerset, UK. ID IMG_2380

Unfortunately, this has inevitably put them back into conflict with humans.

Herring Gulls – Clevedon, North Somerset, UK. ID IMG_2330

And finally…

RSPB Scotland sum thing up…

Herring gulls are often held up as the ultimate villain when it comes to chip-stealing and generally being a nuisance, however their story is actually one of tragedy. Since 1970, their UK population has declined by over 60%. So if you think there are a lot on your promenade now, just imagine how many have been lost from their natural habitat over the years.

Now of course it can be frustrating to find droppings on your car or be woken by a couple of birds arguing over a sachet of tomato ketchup. But then imagine how frustrating it would be if you came home one day to find your cupboards and fridge completely empty, or that someone had stolen all your windows, exposing you to the elements, or that your house wasn’t there at all! – RSPB Scotland