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We live up on the Great Lakes and have our fair share of seagulls as a result.  Most people think of these as seabirds, while technically the great lakes are inland seas; they aren’t usually seen this way.  So, it can be quite a surprise for the average tourist to encounter gulls on the lakes. 

Our seagulls are just as bad as the ones you’ll find on the east and west coasts.  If you feed them they will come…back for more and never leave you alone.  In fact, it’s gotten so bad that our local beach has outlawed feeding the birds.  The birds were not happy and promptly found other ways to make a nuisance of themselves.  Our dumpsters, picnics and small children were no longer safe.

While I love seagulls, and even enjoy the sounds of their garish squawking, there comes a point when you just need to say no.  If a lone banded gull sets down in front of you one day while out enjoying lunch stay strong.  He may give you the evil eye for a while and even go as far as playing the disabled bird hopping about on one leg, but you must not feed him bits of hamburger bun and French fries.

This is because that one lone gull is a scout.  He’s been sent down by the flock high overhead to test your will power.  Should you give in and toss a few bits of food to that seagull, a few more birds will show up to beg offerings, and then a few more and more until you’ve been surrounded by the entire coastal flock.   At that point it’s one lone human against many aggressive, loud, hungry birds.  You might as well put up your hands and slowly back away from that value meal.

If you feel you must feed a seagull or two, please wait until you’ve finished all of your food.  At least that way, they’ll learn to wait before accosting the humans.