COUNCIL chiefs are stepping up efforts to deter seagulls from nesting on residential and business rooftops with the peak gull nesting season now upon us.
Hawks and falcons have been deployed to make daily two-hour flights round Britannia Square with the aim of putting off gulls from nesting there.
The flights, which are managed by contractor Pest Free Solutions, began at the end of March and will continue in the coming days. The cost of the exercise is being shared between Worcester City Council and the Britannia Square Residents’ Association.
“The hawks and falcons have definitely deterred new gulls from establishing nests in the Square – although there are still three nesting pairs from last year which stubbornly remain there,” said Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ gull officer, Gordon Dugan.
“In May we will be replacing real eggs with plastic ones at these sites, and others at the Moors and the K2 office complex on The Tything.”
Another tactic being employed is the use of acoustic devices which emit recorded gull distress calls through a megaphone. Devices are currently being trialled by residents in Lower Wick and Britannia Square.
One Lower Wick resident has reported the gulls take to the air as soon as the device is sounded. They also report the Thursday night claps and cheers for the NHS are having the same effect.
“It’s fantastic to see some new and innovative tactics being used in our bid to discourage gulls from nesting in Worcester,” said Coun Joy Squires, chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee.
“While we continue to stay at home, less food and refuse is being discarded in the city centre, which will significantly reduce the gulls’ food supply.”
