Isabella bird spots rare gull on Vancouver Island

British adventurer and journalist Isabella Bird was one of the first westerners to visit Vancouver Island in 1872. A recent discovery by a Vancouver birder suggests that she may have also been the first to spot a rare gull on the island.

On a sunny morning in early April, Paul Sullivan was scanning the waters of Point Grey for unusual birds when he spotted a pelagic gull he had never seen before. Sullivan photographed the bird and posted it online, where it quickly caught the attention of other birders.

The gull, which has since been named the "Isabella Bird Gull" by Vancouver Island birders, is a black-headed species that was only recently confirmed to occur on Vancouver Island. It is thought that this gull may have been overlooked in previous surveys because it is so similar to other black-headed gulls.

Thanks to the keen eyes of Paul Sullivan and other birders, the Isabella Bird Gull is now firmly on the map as a species of interest for birders visiting Vancouver Island. With its striking black head and unique call, this little-known gull is well worth searching for if you're lucky enough to be on Vancouver Island during the right time of year!

Gulls invade Coney Island, baffling experts

For the second consecutive year, Coney Island is being invaded by a large number of gulls. The birds have caused a stir among locals and experts, who are baffled as to why they have chosen to make the beach their home.

"It's really strange," said one resident. "I've never seen anything like it."

The gulls were first spotted in late spring, and their numbers have continued to increase. They can be found perched atop buildings, in parking lots and on the sand, where they often compete for space with sunbathers.

Officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation say they are not sure why the gulls have chosen Coney Island, but they are hoping to eventually figure it out. In the meantime, they are asking people to be cautious around the birds and not to feed them.

"Gulls can be aggressive and can carry diseases," said one official. "We want everyone to be safe."

Aggressive gulls force closure of British beach

The closure of a British beach due to the presence of aggressive gulls is a sign of the times, as urbanisation and climate change lead to more contact between humans and these birds.

Gulls have been a part of the British landscape for centuries, but their population has exploded in recent years, with some estimates putting their numbers at up to 2.5 million. This has led to increased competition for food and territory, with gulls becoming increasingly bold in their attempts to scavenge from humans.

The situation at Crantock beach in Cornwall has become so bad that local authorities have been forced to close it indefinitely. Gulls are nesting on the cliffs overlooking the beach and are being aggressive towards people trying to use it. Cornwall Council's environment portfolio holder, Geoff Brown, said: "We have had several reports of people being sworn at and chased by gulls as they walked on the beach."

It is not just beaches that are affected by gulls' behaviour; they are also becoming a problem in towns and cities. They often congregate near rubbish bins, where they can be seen fighting over food scraps or raiding compost heaps. In winter, they can be seen waiting outside restaurants and other places where food is being served.

There is no one answer to the problem of urban gulls; their numbers will continue to grow as long as there is enough food available for them. Some councils are attempting to deter them by installing spikes on roofs or cleaning up areas where they are likely to scavenge, but this is only a short-term solution.

The long-term answer may be more drastic measures, such as culling or relocating them to other parts of the country where there is less contact with humans. However, this would be expensive and controversial, so it is unlikely that anything will be done until there is further evidence of damage caused by these birds.

Gull populations on the rise across North America

Gull populations have been on the rise in North America for a few years now, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the most significant is that gulls are exceptionally adaptable creatures. They can survive in a wide range of habitats and climates, and they're able to feed on a variety of food sources.

Another reason for the increase in gull populations is that they're very prolific breeders. Gulls can lay up to four eggs each time they reproduce, and they often have multiple broods each year. And because gulls are scavengers, they can easily take advantage of food sources that are available in human-dominated environments.

Gulls can also be problematic for humans. They can transmit diseases like avian influenza, and they can also be aggressive towards people and other animals. In some cases, gull populations have become so large that they've started to cause serious damage to crops and other property.

So what can be done to mitigate the impacts of increasing gull populations? One solution is to try and reduce the availability of food sources that lure gulls into populated areas. This might involve installing bird-scaring devices or using repellents to keep them away from designated areas. Another solution is to work with local governments and agencies to create laws and regulations that restrict where gulls can nest and feed.

Ultimately, it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders – biologists, land managers, farmers, and citizens – to manage increasing gull populations in North America. By working together, we can ensure that these birds don't become too much of a nuisance while still preserving their vital place in the ecosystem.

Seattle man attacked by aggressive seagull

Seattle, WA - A man out for a walk near the Seattle waterfront was attacked and pecked by an aggressive seagull on Monday.

The man, who has not been identified, said he was walking near Pier 59 when the seagull came at him from behind and began pecking his head and neck. He tried to fight the bird off, but it kept coming back until a passerby scared it away.

"It felt like it was trying to kill me," the man told KOMO News. "It was intense."

Seattle Fish and Wildlife officials said they have received multiple reports of aggressive seagulls in the area recently. They advised people to be vigilant while walking near the waterfront and to keep food and other attractants away from birds.

"Seagulls can be unpredictable so we always advise people to give them space," said spokesperson Tricia Mills. "They may appear tame, but they can actually be very aggressive."

The Seattle waterfront has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike in recent years, with several new businesses and attractions opening in the area. Officials said they are working on a plan to address the issue of aggressive seagulls, but did not provide any details.