The black billed gull and I....
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 6:44 pmSome background data: "The black-billed gull is the most endangered gull in the world. Although it is usually thought of as a seagull, this gull is found on major rivers (especially braided rivers), lakes, and farmland in the breeding season and generally prefers estuaries and coastal areas outside of the breeding season."
Anyway, on Wednesday morning last week, one of these made its way into the foyer at school looking for scraps(the kids eat in there) with doors open.
The foyer is a vast space, 2.5 floors high and open. The bird got spooked and flew into the building, and of course up to the light from the windows.
I really thought it would find its way out by the end of the day, but no. It was locked in for the night. The next day same thing(wouldn't come down), and come Friday afternoon, it had until 1700 to depart or die...almost 3 days without food and water plus stress...including me....I was worried about it.
Before I left the site on Friday, I placed a bowl of water and a salad roll directly under the area it was perched and crossed my fingers.
Fast forward to 0645 this morning, I had a call from the alarm company saying they had multiple alarm activations in the foyer area, so I went over there, I could have sent a guard but I was worried about the Gull.
Arrived to find it sitting on the tables close to the sliding doors, on checking the water and food, it was obvious it had partaken of the offering.
I slowly persuaded it toward the open doors, after a long conversation about the alternatives...and away it went....Job done.
I'm looking forward to seeing the CCTV footage on Monday, will try and get some stills for you.
Ahhh, what a life I lead.
Anyway, on Wednesday morning last week, one of these made its way into the foyer at school looking for scraps(the kids eat in there) with doors open.
The foyer is a vast space, 2.5 floors high and open. The bird got spooked and flew into the building, and of course up to the light from the windows.
I really thought it would find its way out by the end of the day, but no. It was locked in for the night. The next day same thing(wouldn't come down), and come Friday afternoon, it had until 1700 to depart or die...almost 3 days without food and water plus stress...including me....I was worried about it.
Before I left the site on Friday, I placed a bowl of water and a salad roll directly under the area it was perched and crossed my fingers.
Fast forward to 0645 this morning, I had a call from the alarm company saying they had multiple alarm activations in the foyer area, so I went over there, I could have sent a guard but I was worried about the Gull.
Arrived to find it sitting on the tables close to the sliding doors, on checking the water and food, it was obvious it had partaken of the offering.
I slowly persuaded it toward the open doors, after a long conversation about the alternatives...and away it went....Job done.
I'm looking forward to seeing the CCTV footage on Monday, will try and get some stills for you.
Ahhh, what a life I lead.
Well played, that man ! 