Make sure baby gulls are at risk before ringing SPCA
The Scottish SPCA is reminding people across Stirling that most fledgling gulls on the ground don’t need help after their helpline was flooded with well-meaning callers.
The charity received 6381 calls to its animal helpline regarding baby birds this year. Officers have responded to 919 reports of baby gulls in June alone – a rise of 447 since the same period last year.
At this time of year, fledgling gulls will jump out of their nests still unable to fly.
This is part of the normal learning process. Nestling gulls are able to feed themselves from just a day old. Parents will generally be nearby but will rarely be grounded with their offspring.
Mike Flynn, the Scottish SPCA’S chief superintendent, said: “We appreciate the concern from members of the public about baby gulls but most do not need our help. A young gull that is out of the nest and cannot fly is part of the normal learning process.
“Gull parents do not feed their young as often as garden birds so you will rarely see them on the ground with their young but they will usually be close and keeping a watchful eye. Because of this people may mistakenly think they are abandoned. Young gulls are able to forage and scavenge for food themselves and this is an important lesson for the young birds to learn.
“Our advice to anyone who come across a fledgling gull is to make sure it is somewhere safe, away from a main road or somewhere it might be at risk. Keep any pets away from the bird. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is to safely catch the gull using a towel and release it somewhere safe such as an enclosed garden or area.
“If an animal is injured or if a young gull is lethargic and does not run away when approached then it will need our help and people should phone our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”