Seagulls and their Faeces
Posted by G.R.C. Northwood 2011 on Wednesday, 27th July 2011, 13:19
Today I have read an article by Cllr Cramp regarding the above subject.
Interesting to note that in 2009 I posted a similar article on the same subject. For the record here is a reprise of said article and the response from community.
Seagulls bombarding urban homes
Posted: 06 January 2009
Let me say at the off that I am not anti-bird, but the daily build-up of more and more of these flying ‘Lancaster Bombers’ has now got to the point where something must be done to dissuade those kindly folk who, with best intentions, feed these pests daily.
The mess on windows, cars, roofs and washing drying outdoors is now reaching proportions where action is required. But what? To some extent they are protected – nests, young birds etc. People have tried ‘Bird Scarers’ but this has ended up driving locals mad and they have turned their venom on to people trying to scare off the seagulls. Shooting is not an option in residential areas, and I am not sure if it is legal anywhere. What are the restrictions, if any?
So it seems all we can do is to cajole and attempt to persuade those of our neighbours who feel it is a duty to feed these large predator birds to stop doing so – and if they must feed birds at this crucial time of the year, then at least keep it down to providing food for the smaller varieties, which incidentally flee for cover when these flying waste machines are attracted into garden areas.
In a feeble attempt to try and stay at one with nature I am happy to share my world with the rest of the creatures that have established themselves on our planet; BUT each must co-habit peacefully; seagulls belong at sea, or on cliff faces.
I note there have been several attempts to raise this issue by our IOW Councillor, to no avail!
Anyone else have any ideas on how to deal with this spreading problem?
If so contact the Parish Council and Roger of course.
G R Cotterill. Northwood 2009.
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Here is the Only Response to that post….
Author Thread: ?
Seagulls bombarding urban homes
Posted: 06 January 2009 11:38
Get a life !
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Given the total lack of interest shown by the residents of Northwood at the time, I wonder if time has changed their collective views?
What, if anything, can be done to curb this damage to property and vehicles? Do other residents condone actions that end up with such distasteful results?
With respectful regards
G.R.C. Northwood 2011
8 Responses to “Seagulls and their Faeces”
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Village
- - Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society
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- - Cowes-Deauville Twinning Association
- - Friends of Northwood Cemetery
- - Friends of Northwood House and Park
- - Medham W.I.
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- - Northwood Village Produce Association
- - Northwood W.I.
Parish Council
I agree with the response from ‘Clean Eye’.
I’m more concerned with the state of some of the pavements around Northwood with dog mess not being cleaned up, than I am about bird droppings. How many times must we raise the subject of dog mess before something is done about it.
As for seagulls in gardens, don’t give them any where to land to eat and they’ll stay away. Use smaller covered bird tables for little birds.
D Young
Well ‘Taxpayer’ at first read I was not sure what your post was really saying? Then the clear sarcastic tone of your wording came clear.
Not sure who you are ‘digging out’ but in my opinion folk are entitled to express their worries about what’s happening in and around their community…don’t you think?
Perhaps you would prefer to elucidate further on your post?
Obi-One Conobi
I wouldn’t feed a cuckoo as they as they grow up greedy and bully’s, they kick out the nest fellow chicks don’t meet or get on with other birds and make adopted mum and dad work hard just for them. They don’t build a nest of their own, don’t have anything to sing about, in fact only know two notes Cuc, Koo. The laugh is, they probably think they have a “Perfect Life”
We also have people like that in this world, who feeds them, we do!
Taxpayer.
Please don’t criticise Graham for either his original posting or his recent follow up. As he said, there have been complaints to a local Parish Councillor and I agree that indiscriminate feeding of seagulls does have the detrimental effect mentioned.
In addition, they will scavenge for any food put out for less robust birds, such as bluetits, dunnocks and the various finches as well as blackbirds.
Yes of course we live near the sea and flocks of seagulls, particularly at ploughing time are a normal part of country life. What we really do not need however in my humble opinion are neighbours leaving large chunks of bread etc to specifically feed seagulls and the like, inc. carrion who will attack smaller birds feeding nearby and at the same time, because of their size, leave substantial droppings on windows and eg garden furniture.
Thank you, Roger Mazillius
I also love seagulls but agree they should be left to find food at sea. My dad had another name for them, S… hawks, an old Island name used by Islanders for these birds and you don’t need to be a genius to work out why they were called that. I think Trafalgar Square is a better place now that the feeding of pigeons has been stopped, for the same reason or do some prefer to walk around in London with the “Sunday best” covered in droppings.
But I must say bird droppings are not as annoying as treading in dog mess, or cats, and they are easier to control, but we still have a problem with both in the village and the Island.
clean eye.
So it seems that once again the silent majority in the village stay just that…silent!
With the exception of a couple of twitters who jump on the band wagon to defend their feathered friends.
Trouble is it is clear to any one reading my initial post will see I am not in any way anti-bird but anti those who by their actions feeding the gregarious seagulls cause them to defecate over all and any item unfortunate to be sited below it.
As Cllr Cramp states in his ‘Report’ contained in Northwood News March 2011 he has received several complaints over this matter, so to those who cannot wait to shoot the messenger in all cases, by all means feel free to carry on. But the problem will still be there when you get your heads out of the sand.
In response to ‘cuckoo’ well the name says it all.
Happy posting
GRC Northwood
With regards to above, never met you but you seem full of yourself. Every time you post most readers must sigh…oh no not him again.
The response to your 1st attempt at belittling bird lovers was correct….Get a Life!!!
cuckoo
Surely if you choose to live within 1 mile as the crow flies from the sea then it is only logical that you are going come in to contact with seagulls.
Sometimes in life you are a seagull others times you are the statue. Me, I’d rather be the seagull !!!!!