Inside the mind of a seagull: why the feathered pests flock to beautiful cities
SEAGULLS thrive in affluent areas with picturesque buildings, according to psychologists who are prepared to analyse the urban menace.
Drawn to tourist-friendly spots with Georgian architecture and an abundance of food, the birds settle where they are able to live longest and breed as much as possible.
But as their urban population grows, so do the complaints from residents and businesses.
Last summer, a pet dog was reported to have been pecked to death by a seagull in Cornwall. To gather more in- formation about gulls’ “complex cognitive behaviour”, psychologists from the University of the West of England have begun examining why gulls are such a problem in Bath.
Over recent years, Britain has seen the gull population moving further inland from coastal areas to set up colonies in built-up environments.
Latest surveys suggest that urban gull populations have more than doubled over the past 15 years and David Cameron has said there needs to be a “big conversation” about the numbers.
The UWE team believe that by using psychology to collect data on the birds, they will be able to support the work of national experts who are developing ideas to combat the problem.
As the surge in numbers is driving an increase in complaints from residents about noise, excrement and aggressive behaviour, it is placing a strain on local authorities across the country.
Previous attempts to control the problem, include the use of plastic eagles and gulls, as well as noise-scaring devices, have all failed.
Chris Pawson, the new project’s leader believes a better understanding of the motivations of the protected species is required to formulate a fresh approach.
“From a behavioural ecology point of view, many of the principles you call upon to explain human behaviour are exactly the same for wildlife,” he said.
“Humans make decisions based on the pressures of the environment around them.
“It just so happens that these gulls are finding the buildings and food available in Bath very comfortable.
“It is warm for them and there is little competition for food. Where would you rather be: on a clifftop somewhere or on a nice ledge with a ready food source?”