Seagulls the Aggressive Invaders of Rome
Seagulls are known to nest in sides of cliff near beaches. So we were surprised to see them not just on roof tops of museums in Rome even around other high rise monuments there. Rome is 32 km from sea coast.
Nesting Seagull in Rome
One seagull was sitting in its nest giving fierce looks to all those who dared to come close. My Canon zoom lens 55-250mm, came to my rescue. Maintaining a safe distance from this young and beautiful mother-to-be bird, I took many captures. Do click to enlarge and see the beautiful eye as if done up with a bright red eyeliner.
A nesting seagull in Rome, Italy.
Why Seagulls are Invading Rome
I guess this is what happens when you have replaced the cliffs with high rise buildings? Assess a city from a aerial vantage point… how would you find the dark gray rise and fall of concrete, the serpentine roads, bypasses and what about those tall chimneys? The seagulls must be finding them to be steep cliffs and islands. They find enough and more grub from overflowing bins and dumpsters of Rome. Seagulls are known to break into houses, why they even pay unwelcome visit to outdoor dining setups.
And once these seagulls get a taste of city life they rarely return to the wild and then you have a permanent neighbor for the next twenty to twenty five years, their entire life span.
Seagulls the Aggressive Invaders of Rome
Seagulls the Aggressive Invaders of Rome
I last wrote this post after my return from Rome (May 2010) because I was really surprised to see the huge number of seagulls there. It was evident they were a flourishing tribe there feeding from the buffet offered in the garbage piles of Rome. Obviously they are not fed like the pigeons there who are lot more peaceful. Recently when I saw the video of seagull gobbling up a whole pigeon I felt forced to update this post.
It is blood chilling to say the least! Statistics is that there are tens of thousands of gulls in this city of Rome alone. And they are getting bolder with each passing season.
The city is till looking for solutions to tackle the seagull havoc. While the authorities are hesitating in harsh measures like culling the birds, other methods like keeping the city clean and seagull resistant garbage bins are being used.
Rome is only 32 km from the sea, so it is no surprise for me. My city Plovdiv in Bulgaria is 250 km from the sea, but again it was invaded by seagulls for almost 30 years ago, probably due to the river, although our river here is not so big. But Rome has Tibre River, maybe it attracts them too.
I hope I will get to Bulgaria some day to click them 🙂
Seagulls, crows and pigeons are dominant species Indrani. I see them everywhere. I mean all over the globe. Amazing to see this gull gulping down a live pigeon!
They are adapting to the city life. Seagulls are already a bit aggressive from my experience.
What a ghoulish surprise. I had no idea that seagulls were so aggressive. I’ve seen them steal food or swarm a fishing boat but that’s to be expected. Didn’t expect that they’d attack other birds. I hope Rome finds a solution.
It’s amazing how some animals have been able to find a way to coexist with man. Especially when humans have essentially taken over their natural environment. I can see why they would get bolder with each year.
First, Lovely shots.
Second, it’s interesting to read this story. And at the same time, sad to know how much havoc seagulls can create. Video is disturbing.
We have few seagulls coming to our area and they too flourish on garbage.
I’m not a fan of sea gulls, they are aggressive and mean and not a nice site for Rome, hope that the city has a plan for this eventually.
I live at the beach and we have a lot of seagulls. I guess I have been lucky to not have any negative experiences with them
They are scary! I saw one swoop down and steal someones lunch right out of their hands, they’re quick and strong and I am very glad I’m not a pigeon
Good grief, that is certainly a problem. I live at a beach and the gulls are nasty and annoying as can be. However,I do like to photograph them…such a symbolic beach bird. Your photos are lovely!
It is amazing how seagulls have taken to city life! I always figure it is because so many people can’t resist throwing food to them. I am glad I have never seen a seagull devour a pigeon! Good to see that cities are looking for ways to deter further infestation!
What a menace. It will be hard to keep Rome clean with the influx of tourists. They have to find a solution,
How interesting. Ang wonderful shots!
He looks regal! Absolutely beautiful!
I didn't realize gulls lived that long! That's amazing!
Wonderful shot. I love that little water droplet on the end of its beak.
Those are beautiful seagull pictures.
Who'd have thought a gull would have worn so much makeup?! lol 🙂
The babies will be safe from the humans high up there. Not the perfect home but dislocation is the name:(
Wow – fabulous shots! That bird looks so soft and lovely.
Wow, great close up! I could even see a a little water drop on its beak!
superb captures!!
So sweet.
Fabulous photo!!! Love the eyes!
Hugs
SueAnn
So sweet lovely post 🙂
Amazing close-ups !!!
But on the second shot
she is not looking friendly to you
LOL
🙂
Indrani,
Lovely shots of the lovely mom to be….. I enjoyed this post very much.
Great captures. I especially love the second shot.
What beautiful photos…that second close-up shot is amazing. The detail is perfect!
Love that 2nd photo…a great closeup.
My Camera Critters are 'museum quality'….Click Here to join me if you'd like to view them.
Love the second shot!
My camera critter post