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Herring Gull ( Larus argentatus )

Herring gulls are widespread in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. The species breeds along practically the entire European coast from the Baltic to the

Mediterranean, and along the Black and Caspian Sea coasts. This is the commonest gull around the British coasts at all seasons and roosts in immense numbers.

Its huge nesting colonies are mainly scattered along coastal cliffs but also nest on roofs in large numbers.

The herring gull scavenges in large numbers in harbours for fish dropped by fishing fleets but will also eat scraps from refuse tips and bins, food dropped or

thrown by holiday makers, often taking larger pieces of food back to their roosting and nesting sites. These sites are often littered with bits of bone, feathers,

eggshell, fur etc. Herring gulls are moving in land at a rate of 10% per year and are starting to be a problem in our major Towns and Cities. The herring gull is a

large bird 56 cm in length with an angled yellow beak with a red spot and pale pink legs. They are predominantly white with grey wings and back with black

markings on their wingtips. There is little very little difference between the male and female plumage.

They breed in huge colonies, often numbering many thousands of pairs. In May or June the female lays three eggs in nests that are a structure of sticks and bits

of vegetation. If the clutch is lost she will always lay another one. The herring gull eggs are approximately 65mm by 47mm brown speckled grey /green. Both

partners incubate for 26-28 days and the young are able to fly at about 40-42 days. The adults will still be feeding the young at this stage. Herring gulls multiply

at the expense of other birds, particularly ducks and terns. In recent years measures have been taken to try to reduce numbers, with little effect.

Apart from endangering other species of birds there is a risk to the health of humans caused by their fouling, both by disease and by slipping over. Herring gulls

have very similar eating habits to that of the feral pigeon and so probably carry the same diseases. The fouling is unsightly and damaging to buildings and can

cause blockage in guttering, gullies etc. particularly if there are quantities of feathers, leaves, bones and other debris, with, often disastrous and costly

consequences. Birds are often entertaining and attractive to watch, particularly when being fed and it is this type of thoughtless behaviour and acceptance that

make some species the pests that they have become.

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia domest)

The presence of feral pigeons roosting on buildings gives rise to many problems. Wherever pigeons establish themselves they accumulate droppings and nesting

materials. Pigeon fouling makes buildings look dirty and shabby, and causes corrosion of mortar and masonry. In wet weather especially, droppings make

pavements dangerously slippery, which can cause injuries to staff, clients and the general public.

The presence of pigeons poses a very real threat to the people living or working in an area. Pigeons not only introduce a variety of flies, textile pests and

parasites, which cause damage and distress, they can also carry bacteria and viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. A programme of bird proofing work

can significantly reduce the high cost of cleaning and redecoration minimising the health and safety risk for you and your clients. There are many diseases

associated with birds and their fouling, in particular, pigeons. Bird fouling supports many bacteria and fungal spores many of these being transmittable to

humans. Fouling also supports infestations of flying and biting insects and mites, which are, in many instances, vectors of human disease.

Some diseases associated with bird fouling are:

Ornithosis (psittacosis)

This is a disease carried by Feral pigeons and poses a potential human risk. Cases have been discovered in London and Liverpool.

Fungal Disease (Cryptocococcus neoformans) .
A disease of the skin that can also affect the lungs and the central nervous system, causing Cryptococtal Meningitis and is transmitted by fouling. Some Feral

pigeons have been shown to carry Salmonellosis and, although its incidence is low, the public health hazard cannot be ignored, particularly in view of the birds

association with food premises.

Salmonella & E-Coli
Food poisoning. A severe infection of the intestine. There are many strains of both infections causing intense stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, high

temperature and in some more serious cases, even death. The most common route of infection is by contamination of foodstuff or preparation areas.

Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis.
This is an allergic disease, also known as pigeon Fanciers Lung. Inhalation of the dust from bird droppings may cause acute disease with symptoms of fever and

chest tightness with a cough. The disease may also manifest itself, in chronic form with shortness of breath on exertion.
 

Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris )

Starlings have mainly black bodies and yellow bills like Blackbirds but they are smaller and fatter with more pointed head and longer, more pointed wings. Their

plumage is always speckled although in summer the markings on the breast are replaced by iridescent tones of green and blue. Juveniles start off as plain

brown with a black bill and characteristic shape.

Starlings have the ability to be serious pests around livestock feedlots by numbering in the hundreds of thousands and eating enough of the food intended for

livestock to cause serious economic loss. In cities and suburban areas, starlings use buildings, trees, and residential trees to roost. Starlings generally spend the

warm months of the year in rural areas. During the winter, they will descend into cities and towns seeking the warmth of large buildings or trees in residential

areas and parks. Also used as protection are lighted signs, marquees, and billboards.

Starlings are loud and annoying. Their droppings have the ability to seriously damage or even kill trees.

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