why do seagulls peck skylights

[ajs2]

ajs2

[Picidae]

Have you been feeding them?

I've got one banging away on my perspex extension roof. Initially I'd thought it was begging for food - although I believe it is most of the time! - however, I'm wondering whether it's because it can see it's reflection too - which would be a territorial issue!

[Hedera]

Perhaps they think it's water because their reflection is moving. Or the same reason as when they attacked the Millennium Dome roof - just because!

[JeffH]

The other morning I was awoken by a young Heron doing the same thing on the roof-light of an extension right outside our bedroom window
When I told the wife she said I must have been dreaming

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[leon_heller]

The gulls nesting on my balcony frequently scrape the tips of their beaks on the top of the balcony wall. It's nothing to do with cleaning them, as I provide them with water and they and their chicks always wash their beaks after eating.

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by leon_heller

The gulls nesting on my balcony frequently scrape the tips of their beaks on the top of the balcony wall. It's nothing to do with cleaning them, as I provide them with water and they and their chicks always wash their beaks after eating.

I suspect they are keeping their bills sharp Leon. I doubt you are feeding them hard crab shells to crack open and fresh raw fish (which is their natural diet which require honed bills to tear it apart!) but soft food instead.

[leon_heller]

They often bring back crabs for the chicks, and I've seen mussel shells lying around. I think you are right about sharpening their bills, it does look like that.

[Hobjob]

As a lad I remember the gulls eating the putty

I wonder when putty was last used?

[ajs2]

many thanks for your support:ajs2