Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)



The most evocative bird call I know is the wonderful 'laughing' call of the herring gull. As a youngster, like all kids I expect, I loved going to the seaside and when I heard this call from the chimney tops at Ryde on the Isle of Wight I knew we were there!

The herring gull is, perhaps, a much maligned bird because it has developed a taste for human rubbish. Around seaside towns, and that includes Sidmouth of course, they are considered a pest and are, indeed, a nuisance at times along the esplanade raiding left over fish and chips for an easy meal. They are quite bold and prepared to stand their ground which can make them feel a bit intimidating! I may be in a minority but I cannot help thinking the problem is with us humans and our behaviour and attitudes rather than the herring gull who is just scratching a living as best it can in a changing world. 

In spring, the birds spread out along the coastline, especially on the cliffs, to nest and the local declines in numbers decline a little for a while. They also tend to see a house top as a cliff and readily nest up against chimney stacks which makes them unpopular with the house owners.

They are a common sight around Sidmouth and by far the most common gull species we see here. They can be identified by their yellowish legs and bill, and the bill has a red patch on the underside, more noticeable in the breeding season (see bottom left photograph). Younger birds tend to be more speckled in appearance (see top left photograph).

People find it hard to believe that herring gull numbers are falling, just as with many other sea birds, and this thought to be linked to the declining health of our seas.

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