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As seagull nesting season gets underway, islanders are being given advice on how to deal with baby seagulls and how to protect their rooftops.
Seabird numbers worldwide have suffered significant declines in recent years. In Jersey, the Herring gull is amber-listed as a species of conservation concern.
As such, all gulls in Jersey are protected under a law which means that it is illegal to disturb birds and their nests without a licence.
With nesting season coming up, the Government has advised Islanders to check their roofs for "gull activity" in the coming weeks, to not feed gulls and avoid leaving rubbish unattended.
Islanders are also being reminded that seagull's nests can only be removed by an individual with a licence in situations where the gulls are causing serious damage to the property and there is no alternative.
Islanders are also encouraged to leave a gull chicks on the ground, as handling the chick will impact its ability to survive in the wild.
Injured gulls are best reported to the JSPCA.
The Government has shared the following advice for different scenarios...
"Gull chicks leave the nest at an early stage and it can be common to find a chick on the ground. A parent is likely to be nearby and can be aggressive. An uninjured chick must be left where it is in the care of its own parents.
Do not feed the chick, give it water or handle it, as this will impact on its ability to survive as a wild bird.
If the bird appears to be in danger it should be moved only by a licensed professional. Injured gulls are best reported to the JSPCA.
Check your roof for gull activity in the coming weeks, especially if gulls have previously nested in your area. Advise your neighbours if you see gulls on their roof.
Take early action if necessary by contacting a licensed controller. Once eggs have hatched the removal of nests will mean killing the chicks. This is not an acceptable long-term solution and causes unnecessary distress.
Remove all unintended food sources and protect your rubbish.
Do not feed gulls as it is illegal in most situations and can cause many problems.
Consider long-term preventative action to protect your roof to stop nesting - a licensed controller will be able to advise on options.
A list of licensed professionals able to remove gull nests can be obtained by contacting environment@gov.je.
For further information on dealing with problem gulls click here.
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