 Gloucester is believed to have the UK's biggest infestation of gulls. |
A scheme to control the seagull population in Gloucester has been hailed a success by the city council. A total of 1,000 eggs were dipped in oil. This sterilises them, and fools adults into sitting longer on eggs that will not hatch.
The council says this cuts bird noise and the aggressive behaviour of adults protecting their young.
It said seagull numbers were dropping after nests on more than 60 buildings in the city were visited by workers.
Cllr Andrew Lewis said: "Taking everything into account it is estimated that 719 chicks were prevented from hatching in the city centre this year."
Gloucester is believed to have the UK's biggest infestation of gulls.
Experts believe the birds have been driven inland to scavenge, due to a decline in fish guts being dumped at sea by trawlers.
In the city, the colonies thrive on readily available supplies of food, an abundance of rooftop nesting sites and a lack of any natural predators.
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