Urban Gulls Love Them or Loathe Them?

Gulls are large, long-lived, intelligent seabirds that have adapted well to an
urban lifestyle. Yes, they can be noisy, wake up early, make a mess on your
roof-top (it does wash off in the rain) and some individuals will
occasionally steal your sandwich! However, for many, they are an intrinsic
part of our urban environment, with some species like the Herring Gull
experiencing severe population declines. Our towns and cities have
become vital nesting areas for them and are important for their survival.
How many species of urban gulls are there?
There are quite a few species of gull which use our urban spaces, but perhaps the best known which nest on our rooftops are the Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Blackbacked Gull.
Why have they moved into to urban areas?
Up to 20 or 30 years ago, many of these gull species lived more or
less exclusively on cliff-tops and coastal islands. In the face of
increased urban growth, coastal recreation and over-fishing, some
have now chosen instead to live and nest on roofs in towns and
cities. The top of a building has the same attributes as a cliff or
island: no access for predators such as foxes, few people and a
decent food supply including discarded food amongst rubbish in the
streets and handouts from people in parks.
Are numbers of urban gulls increasing?
Yes. If anything, urban-nesting gulls are now faring better than those on the coast and the population size and range
(area occupied) has undoubtedly increased. In the Greater Dublin area they are widespread, and can be seen from
Tallaght to Coolock, Finglas to Donnybrook and everywhere in between.
What you can do to record urban gulls in your area?
Over the next couple of years BirdWatch Ireland, in conjunction with Dublin City
Council, is attempting to survey these gulls and hopefully explain to citizens why
these birds should be tolerated and even welcomed. If you find a gull nesting on an
urban roof-top, please send us your record to:
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/OurWork/ResearchSurveys/UrbanBirdsProject/tabid/1396/Default.aspx

Steve Newton snewton@birdwatchireland.ie / 01 2819878

Niamh N Cholmin niamh.nicholmain@dublincity.ie / 01 2223369

For more information please contact: