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Discovering Wildlife: The Gull Next Door - How Human Habits Are Shaping the Lives of Wildlife

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30 July 2025
By James Hamilton

Pair of Gulls looking for an easy meal by Edmund Fellowes / BTO

​From the clifftops of Scotland to the heart of our cities, gulls have become some of the most familiar and misunderstood birds in Britain. Whether they’re circling above harbours or cheekily swiping chips from an unsuspecting tourist, these clever birds are doing much more than just scavenging. They’re adapting, and fast.

As human activity continues to change landscapes across the world, wildlife is being forced to adjust or disappear. And few creatures show this struggle more clearly than the gulls nesting on the Isle of May, a small rocky island off Scotland’s east coast.

In the past, gulls foraged naturally along the coast, feeding on fish, crabs, and other marine life. But as fishing methods changed and landfill sites began to close or limit access, their food supply started to vanish. Years ago, the UK’s fishing industry provided a steady stream of scraps, and landfills offered a feast of discarded human food. Gulls quickly learned that scavenging from our waste could be easier than finding food the old-fashioned way.

Now those options are fading. Gulls have to get more creative about finding food, and scientists are keen to see how they’re coping.

That’s where the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) stepped in. A research team led by Dr. Nina O’Hanlon placed small GPS trackers on several gulls from the Isle of May colony. The aim was to track the birds during their foraging trips and discover how each species is adapting in today’s changing environment.

The study looked at three types of gulls commonly seen in the UK:

• The Great Black-backed Gull: the largest gull in the world, often found along the coast but rarely seen inland.
• The Lesser Black-backed Gull: more widespread, known for its long-distance flights inland.
• The Herring Gull: the classic “seagull” often seen near beaches and towns.

Although these species share habitats, the research revealed they have very different approaches to finding food.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls were the long-distance travellers, flying inland to feed in farmland and fields. Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls stayed closer to the coast, visiting landfills, harbours, and coastal waters where food was still available thanks to human activity.

Interestingly, the Great Black-backed Gulls, despite being the biggest and strongest, had the smallest foraging ranges. Their size gives them a competitive advantage, allowing them to dominate local feeding areas without needing to travel far.

But even gulls have their limits. As food sources become less reliable, especially those linked to human waste and fisheries, gulls may start to struggle. This could lead to increased competition between species and fewer chicks surviving. Some may be forced to venture into urban areas more often, which could increase conflict with people.

“Not all food sources meet their needs,” explains Dr. O’Hanlon. “When gulls are pushed into less suitable habitats, they may not find enough food to raise their chicks, or they may face stronger competition from other gulls looking for the same scraps.”

This research highlights a bigger picture. Our everyday decisions - how we manage waste, fish our seas, or shape our towns - are influencing the lives of wild animals. Even birds as adaptable and resourceful as gulls are being pushed to change.

But there is hope. By understanding how gulls are adjusting to these challenges, scientists can help guide conservation efforts that support both wildlife and human communities.
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So the next time you hear a gull’s call overhead or see one perched on a rooftop, take a moment to appreciate its story. These are survivors, navigating a world that we’ve changed, trying to find their place in it just like we are.

Great Black-backed Gull and huge catch by Edmund Fellowes / BTO

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