Seagulls

[Malagabob333]

My neigbour and I enjoy feeding the wild birds, nuts, seeds etc .But my neigbour also buys out of date bread and throws this all over her garden loads of it.Its attracted seagulls and i think rats.I have a pond with fish,some of which have dissappeared. I have now had to put netting over.We dont live near the sea.
Are seagulls classed as vermin.Should I have a quiet word with my neigbour or just tell the council

[seadogg]

You might just mention to your neighbour that there is not a lot of food value to wild birds in old bread. Also there are additives including salt of course.
Decent wild bird food doesn't come cheap. Why not suggest you go halves on a big economical bag.
The council may be loth to get involved although they can cull seagulls in towns where they become a nuisance and enough people complain.
Are you sure there isn't a sneaky heron making free with your fish?
People can be touchy about rats but if you are sure the council will sort that of course.
Personally I love the (noisy) gulls.

[woofgang]

seagulls can't actually fish small ponds, their technique doesn't allow it. I don't mind seagulls in their environment but I too mind them around my garden. Round here they have also lesarned how to rip open bin bags and scatter the contents which is decidedly NOT cute behaviour

[woofgang]

PS I would always address any peoblem with neighbours by having a quiet chat with the neighbour first!

[surbabu4]

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[seadogg]

Agreed WG but where we are it's gull territory, the sea cliffs being nearby.
As to bags, I thought most councils were going over to wheelie bins which are generally bombproof (much to the disgust of foxes).

[woofgang]

I live by the sea as well (10 mins walk away) Not only do we not have wheelies, we can't put dustbins out for the men to empty only bin bags which, to be fair, are supplied by the council...also to be fair, our bin men are stars and clean up the mess pulled out of ripped bags

[shaneystar2]

Some class them as vermin . I live by the sea and I love to see them wheeling around . However they are driven more and more inland due to declining fish stocks .
In my area there is no more fishing and the gulls always followed the fleet .
It's an enviromental thing I'm afraid .Much like foxes coming into towns to scavenge because the countrryside is being eroded .
I would have a chat to the neighbour though if you feel they are the problem .But to be honest I would say it's a heron that is visiting your garden .

[frankofile]

I don't have such a positive view on gulls. I live next to a juice factory (think Sunny Delight) and something they put out attracts the Gulls at 4.30 every morning. They even employ a hawk but it doesent help me sleep at 4.30!!!. So no sympathy from me then. I have to keep my double glazing shut all night

[Alice]

Gulls can't fish in small ponds!!?? Try telling the lesser black backed gull which landed on my 3ft by 6ft pergola covered goldfish pond and made off with one of my best shubunkins!