Gulls Everywhere (1 Viewer)

Euan Buchan

The Edinburgh Birdwatcher

Supporter

• Jul 25, 2018

• #1

Had a BBQ and this happened lots of Gulls flying above there were no food around they just suddenly appeared it was like a scene from ‘The Birds’ they just circled for age anyone know why? Never seen this before.

https://youtu.be/Bka-vsWD-bs

 

O

owhy

Well-known member

• Jul 25, 2018

• #2

I've seen exactly the same thing here recently on a few occasions, and like with your example there was no obvious explanation why - they just appeared in a big flock.

 

JWN Andrewes

Poor Judge of Pasta.

• Jul 25, 2018

• #3

It's the time of year for big emergences of flying ants, and Black-headed Gulls love to catch them on the wing, forming big flocks to do so. Had a load out behind the house when I got home from work this evening doing just that.

 

H

Hauksen

Forum member

• Jul 25, 2018

• #4

Hi Euan,

Euan Buchan said:

Had a BBQ and this happened lots of Gulls flying above there were no food around they just suddenly appeared it was like a scene from ‘The Birds’ they just circled for age anyone know why?

Click to expand...

I believe the gulls you observed might be feeding on flying insects. You can see them manoeuvring quickly and purposefully, and occasionally there's one that does a few quick wingstrokes to climb steeply at slow speed before going back to a glide. I presume it snaps for an insect at the top of the manoevure.

Regards,

Henning

 

Jon Turner

Well-known member

• Jul 25, 2018

• #5

Look carefully - there may be the odd Mediterranean Gull amongst the Black-headed.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jul 27, 2018

• #6

JWN Andrewes said:

It's the time of year for big emergences of flying ants, and Black-headed Gulls love to catch them on the wing, forming big flocks to do so. Had a load out behind the house when I got home from work this evening doing just that.

Click to expand...

Definitely the reason.


A