Living in a seaside town means I often wake up to the sound of seagulls. I love that instant salt air feel. It reminds me of childhood summer holidays in Cornwall and those cheeky St Ives birds that always try to pinch your chips.
On a still sunny morning their sound carries from the harbour, so different from the song birds in the garden.
Of course, Tom would remind me that there’s no such thing as a ‘seagull’, just many different types of ‘gulls’. In fact, so many different types that they’re hard to name. I think we have black-headed and herring, and glaucous gulls in Cowes but I couldn’t say for sure. I find it’s useful to know a few names to bandy about confidently, even if you have no real idea..
You only have to read The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch to know that a gull’s character is a pretty entertaining thing. From their perch on the seafront they’ll give me a wary eye, trying to look unfazed, but hopping from one foot to the other as I approach.
Their presence is a part of our town’s character, and I love being reminded of it in the morning; a small second of holiday charm at the beginning of a working day.
Who knew there were so many different types of ‘gulls’. I just naievly thought that they were all just seagulls. I do love waking up to the sound of them though (as long as it’s not too early!). I used to live right by the water so it reminds me of that time.
Victoria, x victoriachapman.co.uk
Nice to see some seagull love :D So many people hate them (and I must admit I’ve had my moments!) but the seaside just wouldn’t be the same without them!
Chloe x
newgirlintoon.co.uk
I hadn’t thought about that, but I suppose you’re right, they can be a bit of a pest sometimes!
The only poem I know by heart is about seagulls. :o)
Oh! What is it?
Such a lovely post – quite fascinating facts. I love to hear the seagulls who have ended up in London. Somehow they manage to take you away to the sea for the briefest of moments! x
Yes me too. I used to live just opposite parliament (student halls) and the seagulls would compete with the sound of ambulances going in to the hospital. :)
We live by the sea in Sussex and seagulls nest on our neighbours chimneys much to their annoyance – but they mean the seaside to us even when they deposit on our car regularly. I find them fun to watch too.
The cat and I got dive bombed in the garden last evening by a ginormous gull (which sort I didn’t notice as I was too busy running away) after the bread I’d just put out for the birds. I don’t know who ran quicker – me or her lol!