black headed gulls (1 Viewer)

M

marco polo

New member

• Jun 2, 2011

• #1

Hello forum

I'm new & after some info.

I'm a member of a sailing club in the cotswolds (GL7). Our lake has 3 islands & for the last few years we have had 80ish breeding pairs of black headed gulls in spring. This year we have 2! Why have they all left us? The only change we have made is this year we put blue dye in the water to block the light to the weed (which grows from the bottom) & slows/stops its growth. This dye is totally organic & vegetable based. Completely safe, you can drink it. Where have our birds gone, is it the mild spring weather?

Thanks
Marc

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Jun 2, 2011

• #2

Hi Marc and a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators.

We had a huge colony of BH Gulls on a reserve near here 15 years ago and they suddenly deserted (it was thought due to a change in water levels). They gradually started to come back about 3 years ago, but the eggs are getting predated by corvids and otters; last year a few chicks were raised but not sure what's happening this year.

Perhaps they don't like blue LOL I don't know! It might be an idea to post in the Birds and Birding forum.

D

 

Jaff

Registered Member

• Jun 2, 2011

• #3

Hi there. :hi:

Sorry to hear your news but hopefully they will return in time. With fish being one of their principal food sources it might be worth checking that fish populations aren't being affected by the dye or from loss of the weed.

 

robinm

Registered User

• Jun 3, 2011

• #4

Hi and welcome to BirdForum :t:

 

Lisa W

I really need to get out and bird more

Staff member

Supporter

• Jun 3, 2011

• #5

Hello and welcome to the forum. Hopefully your gulls will return next year.

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 3, 2011

• #6

Hi there! Welcome aboard :t:

 

Fritz73

Wat mutt, dat mutt!

Staff member

Supporter

• Jun 3, 2011

• #7

Welcome to Birdforum.

 

Kits

Picture Picker

Social Media Editor

• Jun 3, 2011

• #8

Welcome to Birdforum! I am sure you will find lots to interest you here, and I hope that you enjoy your visits.