Kentish Express Ashford & District
Gull chick seeks legal eagles
A baby herring gull went on his first adventure, trying to find a legal eagle at two town centre solicitor’s firms.
The cheeky chick, nicknamed Gary by staff at Kingsfords Solicitors in Bank Street in Ashford town centre, was trying to get into buildings on Tuesday afternoon.
Staff at next-door firm Hallett and Co solicitors even put up a sign to warn their clients after closing the door to stop the curious bird getting in.
A solicitor at Kingsfords said they contacted the RSPCA, but were told to leave Gary be while he was a fledgling.
The solicitor said: “He is very squeaky but seems quite good natured. He has survived being chased by children in the street so far, so I think he will be alright with our clients.”
Gary’s parents are believed to have made their nest on top of the buildings in Bank Street, and he is now exploring the ground nearby.
Wildlife expert Owen Leyshon, from the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership, said it was best to keep away from the chicks and the parents might attack or divebomb people if they thought there posed a threat.
He said it tended to take a few more weeks until the chicks were fully fledged and strong enough to leave their parents.
It isn’t the first time this summer that gulls have made the news in Ashford.
The council closed off the top floor of the Edinburgh Road car park where another pair of herring gulls have made their nest with their chicks.
You can watch a video of young Gary’s first walkabout online by visiting our website at www.kentonline.co.uk.