Feeding seagulls in town

[sids]

So, is feeding them ok then?

[Alrock]

Yes, just mix some Alka-seltzer in with the food first.

[jacko]

So, is feeding them ok then?

make your own mind up then...?

Council urges public not to feed seagulls (13/06/11)



The Highland Council is reminding members of the public not to feed seagulls as it re-launches its campaign to raise awareness of the problem of seagulls nesting in Highland urban areas.
A guidance leaflet on seagull control is available on the Highland Council website at: www.highland.gov.uk/seagullcontrol and from Council Service Points, Libraries and Transport Environmental and Community Services offices.
While the Council has no statutory duty to take action against gulls, it recognises the misery that gulls cause members of the public throughout the nesting season. In particular, the Council is seeking the cooperation of the public in eradicating the food sources which attract gulls by discouraging people from feeding gulls at home and in parks and other open spaces. Businesses are asked to ensure that litter and other food waste is properly stored in closed bins.
Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee, said: “There is no easy answer to dealing with the gull problem; however the situation could be made a whole lot better by taking up some of the suggested measures contained in the leaflet and by eliminating food sources for gulls.
“Gulls are very opportunistic scavengers and will take advantage of any food scraps that we humans leave lying around from take-aways or overflowing bins. What is worse is the deliberate feeding of gulls by people throwing food to them in the street or feeding them in their gardens. I would like to thank the many people who already act responsibly but now encourage others to follow by not feeding gulls.”
The guidance leaflet provides information and advice on gulls and the law; problems caused by gulls; the controlling of gulls; deterrent measures; and education about gulls. The leaflet also explains that only licensed contractors with specialist skill and experience are legally allowed to kill certain species of gulls and what homeowners and businesses can do to prevent gulls nesting on their properties. Examples are given of the different types of deterrent measures that can be taken to try to prevent gulls from nesting.
The campaign to raise awareness of the problem of seagulls nesting in urban areas in the Highlands was first introduced in the Highlands in May 2010 by The Highland Council.
-ends-


of course there are those that think they know better and continue to feed them regardless.

[jacko]

Yes, just mix some Alka-seltzer in with the food first.

how would that work then Alrock....how about antifreeze????

[Alrock]

how would that work then Alrock....how about antifreeze????

Apparently their digestive system can't handle it & their internal organs explode.

[jacko]

Apparently their digestive system can't handle it & their internal organs explode.

well thank you very much... but alka - seltzer is much more expensive than antifreeze or a lead slug.

[mi16]

Baking soda does the same thingBirds canna fart

[sids]

Birds canna fart

Not like blokes, anyway.

[sids]

make your own mind up then...?

Council urges public not to feed seagulls (13/06/11)

Gaelic instructions about not feeding gulls! Who pays for that dross?

[jacko]

Gaelic instructions about not feeding gulls! Who pays for that dross?

think their bilingual.

[sids]

think their bilingual.

Does that mean they carry Gaelic instructions?

[jacko]

Does that mean they carry Gaelic instructions?

likely, but your right still a waste of money , same as the stupid road signs.

[Bobinovich]

Sweep & Jacko, I suggest you get a huge pile of those Bird Control leaflets & put them through your neighbours door - start with 1 & if they continue, do 2, then 4, 8, 16 etc...until they get the message...

[wicker]

They are horrible nasty birds, don't mind the little birds as they don't do no harm but scorries are swooping down and injuring people, trying to take food from people there are far too many off them, we cull other animals due to being over populated, why not the nuiscence that is the scorrie.

[orkneycadian]

Under section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Scottish Executive annually issues general licences. These authorise the killing or taking of certain species of wild birds, including Feral Pigeon, Herring Gull, Lesser black-backed gull and Great black-backed gull for the purpose of:-

.....

Please note that a Licence is required, without one you can be prosecuted. Actions outside the terms and conditions of a general licence or that have not been permitted by any other individual licences are criminal offences.

Apologies if I have picked up the meaning of your post incorrectly, but you do not apply for a general licence. You just have to do what it says in it. The licence is issued annual and you can print it off various websites.

[Kodiak]

Apologies if I have picked up the meaning of your post incorrectly, but you do not apply for a general licence. You just have to do what it says in it. The licence is issued annual and you can print it off various websites.

You are correct and incorrect at the same time, as was I. I forgot to mention that a Licence to an individual can also be issued. These licences can be specific - issued to individuals on a case-by-case basis or general granted annually by the country administrations for use by an ‘authorised person’ (usually the landowner, occupier or someone authorised by them).

Actions outside the terms and conditions of a general licence or that have not been permitted by any other individual licences are criminal offences.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/garden...ls/thelaw.aspx

[Kenn]

If you live by the sea it's a fact of life that you will be plagued by gulls at certain times of the year but actively encouraging them by feeding is much to be derided. however if the gulls here are anything to go by they will find a way to access any food going!

[Phill]

Who or what are we feeding the gulls to?

[pat]

Phil - definitely like that one. Here in Lewis we do not have much of a problem with gulls until the visitors start feeding them in the summer with the leftovers from their carryout meals, the gulls become braver every day. This year the visitors have not been wandering around so much with food in their hands - eating inside due to the weather and leaving the food they would normally have thrown to the gulls on the plates in restaurants - so no problem so far this year. Here the scorries follow the boats in as they are gutting and cleaning, lovely to see as can remember that was how it was in Caithness years ago. Anyone know any other ways of getting rid of hoodie crows than owl/eagle statues?

[jacko]

Well over here on the east coast in Wick there are no fishing boats as such.just the odd creeler... The gull,s used to nest on the rocks at the sea , but now they have moved into the towns for easier pickings and to be hand fed by morons throwing food at them , If one is walking anywhere with food in their hands they most likely will be attacked and swooped down on. the gull,s are now that bold. Imagine being cut by the beak of one of those scavengers. just think on where the beak was last , inside some rotting carcass. ( then cutting you. )

Not a nice thought is it . worse still a child or an infant . And what would make it worse is that it can/has/will happen in the privacy of YOUR own property.i/e your private garden. .these creatures should be culled yearly untill they become as extinct as the DoDo
they have absolutely no purpose and should be classed as the vermin that they are.