Isle of Wight woman defends feeding red-listed seagulls

By Joan Minns, Northwood

Seagull numbers are on the decline, so why not feed them, a County Press reader asks (Image: Pixabay)

Joan Minns, Northwood:

Why so much hate for our seagulls, which have declined by 65 per cent and are on the red list?

Lack of fish, changes in farming, climate change and avian flu have made it difficult for them to feed.

We happily put out food and water for our small birds.

It is NOT illegal to feed gulls on your land. They also need lots of water, especially in this heat.

Within five minutes they eat, drink and go, causing no problems to anyone.

I am very conscious when I feed early, so as to miss dog walkers, schoolchildren, passing cars.

But I have received verbal abuse from people old enough to know better.

I have hedgehogs coming every night — and a fox — to drink.

My garden is full of bees and butterflies. It should be a joy helping all creatures we share the world with.

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