Gulls

[Chipchopper]

I'd like to understand them a little better.
I'm not near the coast but realise they can be also common inland too.
Some times, I see them gliding around high up in the sky, concentrated over a certain area, today however they were settled on a golf course approx 2m apart and seemed unperturbed about players using the course.
They didn't seem to be feeding, so it seemed reasonable to assume that they had settled there to roost for the night, although it was only about 4:30pm.
So my question is : are gulls reliable in giving us some insight into current weather trends ?

[Tilly2]

My dad used to say that they came inland when it was rough at sea. He may have just made that up though.

[Toorak]

I've heard that too Tilly but I'm not sure if there is any scientific basis in it

[wolf63]

I just want to know why they have to make so much noise, especially in the morning.

They also dance on my skylight windows and that upsets my lean, mean, bird hunting, pussy cat machine.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19490866


Please note, the article uses 'Seagulls' not me.

[Toorak]

Lucky yours are lean - my avatar is decidedly on the podgy side (but he is a huge fella)

[Tilly2]

Just found this on Wiki

Seagull, seagull sit on the sand.
It's never good weather when you're on land.

Seagulls tend to sleep on the water. However, seagulls, like people, find gusty, turbulent wind difficult to contend with, and under such circumstances, the water is also choppy and unpleasant. Seagulls huddled on the ground may be a sign that the weather is already bad.

[Tilly2]

Found this on Boatsafe.com.

Seagull, seagull, sit on the sand,
It's a sign of rain when you are at hand

In general, birds roost more during a period of low pressure. Before a hurricane, flocks of birds will be seen roosting. Take off may be harder when the pressure is low or the air is thinner because the natural updrafts are lessened.

[wolf63]

Toorak - my Avatar (Frankie) is overweight. He loves food and since going on to daily Prednisolone he not only loves 'his' food but also his sister's food too.

He is not a big build but is 5.8kg. They two of them are now 12 so maybe it is all middle age spread.

They are indoor moggies so that doesn't help in keeping them trim.