Why gulls are swooping on towns and cities

SIR – You suggest that the appearance of seagulls inland may be a harbinger of bad weather (Weather Watch, August 4).

In fact, with the breeding season concluded, they are simply hanging around our towns because of the abundance of food, their numbers swelled by young birds.

We may have to batten down the hatches in the next few weeks, but a gull on your roof is not a sign that you need to do so.

David Saunders

Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire SIR – It is more likely that the seagulls have come to our cities for flying ants, which may be able to forecast the weather.

Judy Nesbit

Topsham, Devon

SIR – Your article reminded me of an old saying among farmers in Lancashire and Yorkshire: “Seagull, seagull, go back to the sand; we will never make hay while you’re on land”.

Elizabeth Cookson

Preston, Lancashire

Large numbers of gulls have recently been spotted in urban areas, particularly London