East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service



There are eleven different birds called "gulls", and there are many more which look like gulls, which are resident or migrant visitors to the United Kingdom . Gulls at some point visit most parts of Sussex during the year. The closer to the coast the more frequently gulls can be seen. Gulls are primarily cliff and sea birds, however, due to man conveniently providing nesting sites along the coast and in-land, as well as providing a plentiful food supply, seagulls are now our coastal lodgers, borrowing rooftops and ledges to build their nests and rear their young. In the Southeast of England, it is mainly the Herring Gull, which nests on rooftops, but this is not always the case, the lesser black-backed and common gull can be found nesting in the same fashion. Baby Herring Gulls are a grey bundle of fluff with black spots, which some people have mistaken for ducklings. They start eating for themselves within a matter of days, pecking at any scraps that the parents bring home. They grow rapidly and within two weeks they have started developing mottled brown and grey feathers. Within 3 months they are attempting to fly. Herring Gull's mate for life and are dedicated parents and look after their young for up to one year. When the parents believe their offspring are ready to fly they hover above shouting encouragement. This commonly attracts other gulls in a loud commotion of excitement, fun and games to encourage the youngsters to fly. Once flying the young are taken to local crèches, best seen on beaches and at sea during July and August. Here, a few parents will look after numerous youngsters from various families, whilst their parents go off to feed.

1	Gulls and the Law
2	Gulls falling off rooftops or wandering away from nests
3	Gull droppings
4	Dive bombing gulls
5	Should I feed my young gulls?
6	Weather conditions and gulls
7	Can I shoot or poison gulls?
8	Gull deterrents
9	Further help and advice

Gulls and the Law

All wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law. The level of this protection depends on whether the bird is rare or endangered but even very common birds such as gulls are protected.

Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981…

Section 1(1)(a) states that it is an offence for any person to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.

Section 1(1)(b) states that it is an offence for any person to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.

Section 1(1)(c) states that it is an offence for any person to intentionally take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.

The greater black-backed gull, herring gull, common gull and the lesser blacked-backed gulls are listed in Schedule 2 Part 2 and therefore a licensed person may kill or capture these species. English Nature, MAFF and the DETR can issue licenses for the capture and humane destruction of gulls listed on Schedule 2 part 2. All other gull species are fully protected under the Countryside & Wildlife Act 1981 and may not be killed or captured.

Part 1 Section 5(1) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the use of poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substances to kill or take any wild bird. It also prohibits the placing of such substances so as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild bird coming into contact with them. An amendment to the Act makes it an offence to cause or permit another person to commit an offence under this law.

In addition to the Countryside & Wildlife Act gulls are given some protection from the Protection of Animals Act 1911. Section 1(1)(a), states that any person shall commit an offence by unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, or causing or procuring the commission of any act which causes unnecessary suffering or being the owner permit any unnecessary suffering to be so caused.

As with any law, there are exceptions. For further advice it is best to contact English Nature, the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions or your local Sussex Police Wildlife Liaison Officer.

Some examples of illegal acts:

Injuring a gull by shooting

Removing a gull's nest or chicks, whilst the nest is still in use, by a person not appointment by a general license or license issued by the necessary government department.

Injuring a gull, intentionally or not, by placing a trap, wire or other object, which was intentionally placed to deter gulls from nesting or visiting

Gulls falling off rooftops or wandering away from nests

Young gulls quickly become impatient and start wandering around looking for food. They like to be first when mum or dad returns with food and they learn that its best to get a head start! Young gulls frequently fall from rooftops. They are quite robust and normally survive falls uninjured. They will wander round looking for a way back onto the roof. Do not attempt to pick up the gull unless it is in immediate danger, like being hit on a road or caught by a cat. Do not automatically pick it up and take it indoors. If possible the young gull should be left where it is as the parent birds will normally come down and feed. Alternatively the gull should be placed back on the roof near the nest, or on a flat roof on or attached to the same building. If this is not possible and it is unsafe to leave on the ground, the parents have left or the youngster is injured then your local wildlife rescue may be able to help. Most birds need up to 48 hours to build up confidence to fly. Some young attempt to fly before they are fully capable and find themselves crash landing in gardens below. They can often be seen jumping one or two feet off the ground, trying their wings and attempting to fly. Some are a bit frightened or scared after their first unsuccessful flight and need to take a short break. Normally they are flying and away within 48 hours. Your local wildlife rescue should be consulted if you are worried about any injury or dangerous situation that may occur.

Gull droppings

Gull droppings, as with all birds, will cause a discolouration on car paintwork if left for too long. Their droppings are no more harmful than any other animals including ours! Deterring gulls from nesting is the key to preventing the droppings building up. Normally droppings can be cleaned off easily using the relevant washing agent for the surface and warm water.

Dive bombing gulls

This is normally because a chick or young gull has fallen from a roof and is on the ground. However, bungalows are low to the ground and wandering young on a roof can cause the same situation. If you become too close to their young they will dive bomb you. They are simply defending and protecting their young from harm. However, you can fool the adult gulls by carrying an open umbrella above your head. The further away from the nest you are the less likely you are to be attacked. Reports of gulls killing dogs and cats are exaggerated and other factors are usually involved. A license can be issued by the local council, English Nature, MAFF or DETR to remove chicks from the roof or garden and to be taken to a local wildlife rescue for rearing. The removal of the chicks will stop the adults from diving as they will not have any young to defend. A suitable reason has to be given in order for a license to be issued.

Should I feed my young gulls

It depends of each individual location and circumstances. As a general rule you do not need to and should not as the adults are more than capable of looking after their young. Putting out food by the young can cause them to be attacked and injured by other birds. Gulls primarily eat fish. The parents will fly out to sea and catch small fish. Gulls are scavengers and will pick up and eat any food. On the beach they will eat crabs and other creatures in the rock pools. Gulls provide a valuable service in helping to clean up after us dirty humans, they will clean up discarded fish and chips, and any other food dropped in the street. Small dead birds and creatures will also be eaten. Often in the early hours of the morning gulls can be seen eating dead wildlife road casualties.

Weather conditions and gulls

Gulls are used to the wind, rain and heat as a general rule. They can survive most of our hot sunny days and stormy weather. The weak, ill or runt birds may die, and this is part of nature's way of ensuring that only the fittest survive. If you are worried about weak, ill or runt birds then contact your local wildlife rescue for further advice and help.

Can I shoot or poison gulls?

Part 1 Section 5(1) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the use of poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substances to kill or take any wild bird. It also prohibits the placing of such substances so as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild bird coming into contact with them. An amendment to the Act makes it an offence to cause or permit another person to commit an offence under section 5. You can have gulls shot by a professional and trained authorised person under license from your local authority, English Nature, MAFF or DETR. However, it is essential that the gulls are shot and killed rather than just injured as this would constitute an offence under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 Section 1(1)(a). It is worth remembering that there are eleven gulls which are native or visitors to the United Kingdom . There are many other species that look very similar and it is worth contacting your local wildlife rescue to ensure that the species is identified correctly. Some other gulls and gull like birds have greater protection than the Herring Gull. It is your responsibility to ensure the birds are correctly identified first.

Gull deterrents

If you have experience problems with gulls nesting on your roof, then there are ways in which you can deter them from using your roof. Deterring gulls is always better and easier than dealing with them once they have started nesting. Your local wildlife rescue or the Save Our Seabirds Network should be able to offer you more detailed advice.

Gull Perching Deterrents

A product called “Flock Off” is available via mail order, the Internet and via some garden centres. The best way to reduce the number of seagulls visiting your property is to prevent them from roosting and breeding this can be done if you can prevent them from perching.

Manufactured from glass-like UV-stabilised polycarbonate, the 100mm high spikes are unobtrusive and do not detract from any building's appearance and are designed not to injure or harm any birds in any way. These can be placed at a variety of places as shown.

This product has been used on many banks and building societies, bridges, and even at Harrods in London.

Gull Nesting Deterrents

A survey of gulls nests in Peacehaven, East Sussex , by East Sussex WRAS in the spring 2001, revealed that a large proportion of gulls were nesting on the flat roofs of loft conversions where the room and window extends out from the original roof. This flat platform makes an idea home for a family of seagulls.

Depending on the size and design of your roof will depend how gulls could be prevented from nesting. Wire mess stretched tight, about 6 inches, above a flat roof will prevent gulls from nesting. Strands of wire attached to springs in the wall or roof can also help in some occasions.

Gulls also favor nesting behind chimneys on slopping roofs. A wooden or mesh structure as shown in this diagram, with a slopping top placed behind the chimney filling the gap will prevent this from happening.

These methods must be put in place by experienced persons and while the gulls are not using the roof and maintained on an annual basis. You may be prosecuted if, through lack of maintenance, a seagull or other wild bird becomes injured.

Removal of Gull nests

Section 1(1)(b) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 states that it is an offence for any person to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.

However, under license issued by the local authority, English Nature or DEFRA an authorised person may remove the nest of a Lesser Black-backed, Greater Black-backed, Common or Herring Gull if there is an acceptable reason for doing so.

Removal of Gull eggs

Section 1(1)(c) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 states that it is an offence for any person to intentionally take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.

However, it is lawful for any person to remove eggs from August to January. This means, for example, that if you have had seagulls on your roof you can remove the eggs remaining because these will certainly be dead during this period.

Your local authority, English Nature or DEFTRA may issue a license to an authorised person to destroy the eggs of the Greater black-backed, Lesser black-backed, Common and Herring Gulls if there is an acceptable reason for doing so.

Further help and advice

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service

Telephone	07815 078234 (24 hours for emergency calls. 9am to 7pm for non-urgent)

E-mail	info@wildlifeambulance.co.uk

Website	www.wildlifeambulance.co.uk

Save Our Seabirds Network

Telephone

01323 411845

Sussex Police Wildlife Liaison Officers

Telephone

0845 60 70 999

This information sheet has been written by Trevor Weeks, County Rescue Co-ordinator East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service. Neither Trevor Weeks or WRAS can be held liable for any problems which arise from following advice within this information sheet. This information is believed to be correct at the time of production.