The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #12 The Herring Gull
I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s.
Times have changed:
The RSPB says: “Herring gulls have dropped in number at their coastal sites by 53 per cent since 1969. Despite an increase at inland nesting sites, they are still declining overall. One of the main reasons for the decline is the lack of food for them in the coastal environment.”
Their numbers have halved. It’s shocking what we’re doing to the natural world and how little power we have to do anything about it.
This one has me in its very limited binocular vision:
Gorgeous, aren’t they?
Those eyes get me every time.
And if you’re ever afraid they might eat your chips? Well, that’s worth it for a chance to appreciate their majesty.
This one was in Bristol hanging around the docks.
I’m glad I shared my time with it.