Seagulls

Seagulls flying

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.

Seagulls by the sea

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..

Seagull flying across the water

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.

9 thoughts on “Seagulls

  1. 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

  2. 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!

  3. 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. :)

  4. Karen on said:

    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.

  5. 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!