These storms have done for the Seagull chicks. (Pics may be a bit sad for kids).

[zarkwon]

Two chicks out the back this year. The recent storms have been unfortunate for the chicks of all birds this year. With the drops in temperature and lack of flying insects due to the rain our birds are suffering. These Herring Gulls didn't make it through the weather which is a shame as they are on the RSPB Red list (most of the kids who visit on hols and have their ice-creams and sausage rolls nicked will not be too sad). Lots more on the roof though and the other roofs of the town.

Two chicks before the bad weather.



Only one survived the downpour despite the Mum sheltering them all the way through.




Yesterday both had succumbed. Just a forlorn Mum guarding the nest now. The weather today has been the worst of all. Many more must have died as a result. Life is hard in the wild. Many will make it though.

[Dougster]

I find it hard to find sympathy for that particular species. It is hard in the wild for sure.

[awarner]

Thing is people complain about gulls but with all the rubbish and those that feed them gulls are just making the most of it.
Plus they are a bold species especially around St Ives lol

[Adze]

Why on Earth is the Herring Gull on the RSPB red list? Almost 140,000 breeding pairs in the UK and IUCN conservation status of Least Concern. What exactly are the criteria for being placed on the RSPB red list?

[Bushwhacker]

As much of a pest that they are, they are quite remarkable birds and you have to admire them for their tenacity and rapid adaptation to change in their environment. The 'Red Status' is a little misleading to some people in that it doesn't mean they're rare, it's more to do with the rate of decrease in population over a given period of time.

[Kepis]

Why on Earth is the Herring Gull on the RSPB red list? Almost 140,000 breeding pairs in the UK and IUCN conservation status of Least Concern. What exactly are the criteria for being placed on the RSPB red list?

Probably like many other things in this world at the moment, because someone sitting in their plush office, with absolutely no practical experience on the subject, but has a piece of paper from a College/University that says they know what they are talking about, decided thats the way it was going to be - or is that a bit too cynical

[Adze]

it's more to do with the rate of decrease in population over a given period of time.

My point entirely - the decrease is written as moderate on the RSPB page for herring gull, but is required to be severe to warrant being on the red list. Not only confusing for some people it seems, but also for the RSPB.

[zarkwon]

I thought it was because "over half of their UK breeding population is confined to fewer than ten sites".