Gulls are a large family of sea birds. They are often known as seagulls, although technically none of them is actually called a seagull. Visit The Wildlife Trusts for some pictures of what these look like.
The most commonly found gulls in the area are:
- black-headed gull
- common gull
- herring gull
- great black-backed gull
- large immature gull
- lesser black-backed gull
Gulls are protected birds
All species of gull are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and in Scotland this is amended by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. This makes it illegal to:
- intentionally or recklessly injure or kill any gull
- damage or destroy an active nest or its contents
- prevent gulls from accessing their nest
Report a gull problem
We have an environmental safety officer that specialises in gulls. They manage our gull colonies and help keep people safe from problems caused by gulls.
Contact us at gulls@dumgal.gov.uk for further advice or to report a problem.
Report an injured gull
If you come across a gull that has been injured or looks sick, place a box over them and call the Scottish SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.
Do not touch any gull.
If there is a gull chick in your garden or land, you can use things like umbrellas or towels to guide the chick to another area of safety, away from your premises, but this must not be next to a road. The adult gulls will normally find the chicks and take them back to the nest.
When a chick is trying to fledge the nest they often end up on the ground. The adult birds will still protect the chick and feed it. It is important during this time that you do not approach the chick, as adult birds could attack you to protect the chick. Using an umbrella can help protect yourself if there is no other option than to pass the chick and gull.
How to keep gulls away
Prevent litter and food waste
Gulls are attracted to food sources. Making sure litter and food waste are disposed of properly is the best way to keep gulls away. If you get council sacks for your rubbish instead of a bin, you can request vermin-proof sacks to put your coloured annual sacks in for collection.
Email DomesticWaste@dumgal.gov.uk with your name, address and postcode to request vermin-proof sacks.
Do not feed gulls
Gulls' natural diet is shellfish and other small sea creatures, birds’ eggs, insects and earthworms.
Human food is not ideal for gulls. If they are fed regularly by humans, they will keep coming back.
Preventative work
Gulls flock in colonies and tend to return to the same nesting spots every year, especially if there is an active food source. In spring check your roof regularly for signs of nesting.
Once nests have been built, they cannot be removed without a licence.
The best time to gull-proof properties is between October and February, as the breeding season is usually between March and September. You should monitor your roof areas between March and July, although gulls can become active earlier. You can discourage gulls from nesting by erecting wires or nets to chimney heads, flat roof areas and other potential nesting areas. If there are any signs of nesting you do not need a licence to destroy and remove an unfinished nest.
A roofing contractor or other home improvement firm may be able to do preventative work for you. Free spikes can be requested by emailing gulls@dumgal.gov,uk for residential properties, but only if a contractor from our trusted traders is used.
As a last resort you can apply to Nature Scot for a licence to remove gulls, eggs and nests from you property, but only if you have already tried previous deterrents such as keeping areas litter and food waste free, using your dog to scare the gulls away or using other gull-deterrents.
Email gulls@dumgal.gov.uk if you need help to apply for a licence.
When you have a licence you will be able to take the steps that the licence covers at the property listed on the licence. If you are removing eggs and nests you could contact a pest control firm and advise them you have a licence for the work they can do.