The RSPB is calling on people to take what it calls ‘a more understanding view of this most misunderstood of creatures’ - the seagull. 

Morwenna Alldis, spokesperson for the RSPB South West, said: ‘Personally I love gulls – I like a bird with a bit of personality and gulls have that in spades. 

‘They’re bombastic, cheeky, incredibly adaptable, opportunistic, intelligent, and if there was a prize for “bird parent of the year”, protective urban gull parents would win. However, our urban gull is often misunderstood. We need to change the way we behave around gulls and try to live harmoniously alongside them.’ 

The RSPB and RSPCA both cite examples of where relations have broken down. 

Last month the RSPCA appealed for information after a gull was discovered on an industrial estate in St Austell with a crossbow bolt through its body. The injuries were too severe for the gull to make a recovery and it was put to sleep to prevent further suffering. This sort of attack is not an isolated incident. 

Llewelyn Lowen, RSPCA scientific officer, said: ‘Every year we receive calls about gulls which have been persecuted and the victims of abusive attacks. Gulls and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure wild birds and action can only be taken against them under licence.’ 

The RSPB says one of the main issues people have with gulls is linked to the birds’ nesting behaviour. 

Morwenna continued: ‘May to July is prime gull nesting season and during this period they can be quite noisy, which is an understandable annoyance if they’ve chosen a roof near you. But keep in mind that this period is short-lived. 

‘Gulls are also incredibly protective and proactive parents. If a gull feels that you’re too close to its youngster, and so a potential threat, it will fly over you at great speed and alarmingly close – it’s meant to frighten you into backing off. 

‘The best advice is to walk carrying an unfurled umbrella. Again, this is just a temporary measure until the chick has fledged.’ 

The RSPB says the second main area of concern is the way some of the birds feed, but warn much of the problem is of human origin. 

Morwenna said: ‘For years many people have openly fed gulls from their own hands – fish and chips on the beach were often shared with the gulls. Many people still leave bin bags of ripe-smelling food waste on the pavement (not in a bin or gull proof sack) – again an easy snack. 

‘And with the discarded curry containers, soggy burger buns and half eaten kebabs scattering the street outside many local takeaways – it’s little wonder that gulls see us as their free meal ticket. A gull can’t discern between a dropped sausage roll and the one you’re unwrapping for lunch in the local park. 

‘We must all stop feeding gulls.’Photo by Jared Belson