Rare Kittiwake Gulls Overtake British Town, Dividing Locals

In the coastal town of Lowestoft, Britain, rare kittiwake gulls have become both a blessing and a nuisance. While conservationists and some residents celebrate the growing colony of these Red List species, others lament the disruption they bring, according to reports from The Times and the BBC.

Locals grumble about the stench, noise, and droppings left by the birds, with some even avoiding the town center for fear of unwanted “aerial deposits.” Shopkeepers are particularly exasperated, as staff spend up to two hours daily cleaning awnings and windows.

Beyond the mess, some perceive the seabirds as a physical threat. Tales of gulls snatching food and small items are common. “My daughter bought some doughnuts and had barely taken a bite when a bird swooped right in front of her face. It was terrifying. You have to be so careful, especially when eating—they’re always on the hunt,” shared 83-year-old Jackie Dowding.

However, activist Richard Houghton suggests that such “bold behavior” is more typical of the town’s herring gulls, not the kittiwakes.

Town officials acknowledge the “inconvenience” and “disorder” caused by the birds but emphasize their vital role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance. To ease tensions, authorities have stepped up cleaning efforts in public spaces.

City council member Andy Pearce underscores the delicate balance of the initiative: preserving the kittiwake population while addressing the concerns of local businesses and property owners. “They’re thriving here while disappearing elsewhere, and that matters. I’m glad they’re with us, but I understand the noise, mess, and smell can be a challenge,” he said.

Kittiwakes have been a defining feature of Lowestoft since the 1950s, when they began nesting en masse on piers at the port’s entrance. In 2023, the town introduced “kittiwake hotels”—specially designed nesting structures—to provide young birds a quieter haven away from the bustle.

These efforts have paid off, with roughly 2,000 kittiwakes arriving in Lowestoft since 2021. Globally, however, the species is in decline, with populations dropping 40% since the 1970s due to climate change and overfishing.

Bob Webb, a 65-year-old visitor, urges residents to find harmony with their feathered neighbors. “Kittiwakes are vital seabirds. This colony is just searching for safe nesting grounds as their traditional habitats vanish,” he said, advocating for peaceful coexistence.