COUNCIL FORCED TO RETHINK GULL CONTROL POLICY
ANGUS Council may have to rethink its free seagull nest and egg removal service.
Amazingly, the herring gull, a menace to Arbroathians throughout the year but even worse in the summer, has been placed on the UK's 'Red List' of species of high conservation concern, which means they need to be protected rather than controlled.
The population has declined by more than half in the last 25 years.
Herring gulls are opportunists and will eat most things including fish, crabs, insects, eggs, young birds, small mammals and garbage.
They usually nest in colonies on ledges of sea cliffs or in dunes, but also on the roofs of building, particularly flat roofs. The nest is built by both birds from grasses and seaweed.
The gulls become aggressive at this time of year as their young leave the nest and walk about near houses and workplaces until they can fly. Often the parent birds 'dive bomb' anyone who comes too close and they can be very intimidating.
The listing could put a stop to Angus Council's recently introduced programme of egg and nest removal as a means of controlling numbers.
In April, the local authority introduced a free scheme whereby householders could have unwelcome gull nests and eggs removed from their properties.
Previously, the council had imposed a charge of 18.50 to private householders for the removal of a nest and eggs, with a maximum of six visits required for each nest.
In the first six weeks of the free service 139 treatments were carried out - 78 in Arbroath, 49 in Montrose, eight in Carnoustie and two each in Monifieth and Brechin.
Since the introduction of the free gull nest and egg retrieval service, they have carried out 263 treatments.
A council spokesperson concluded: "We will await guidance from the Scottish Government on this matter."
Arbroath councillor Jim Millar said: "I find it astonishing that herring gulls are now on the conservation 'Red List'. Over the years, these birds have become an increasing menace, especially during their breeding season.
"Their aggressive behaviour towards people has been a source of concern for some time, and at just over two feet long with a wingspan of up to five feet, they can be very intimidating.
"Clearly, the council will have to review its current policy, but I personally feel we should challenge this given the situation we have in Arbroath and other coastal towns in Angus."
He concluded: "In the meantime, I would urge people not to feed these birds and to dispose of food packaging such as fast food containers properly, as discarded food wrappers simply encourages their aggressive behaviour."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Arbroath
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
