Another article written by the same Dunedin based twin daughter who wrote yesterday’s one. Enjoy! Possibly first in a series if popular? Feedback encouraged!
As you may or may not know, I have recently been completing a Diploma in Scuba Diving Instruction. A very fancy sounding qualification, however I have found that very few aquatic creatures share the same grace.
1st Review – Red Billed Seagulls
My first experience with these little bastards didn’t come from Scuba, but from the joy of growing up in bird-infested Aotearoa. These buggers will not hesitate to swoop in on any dropped food – or even the fries from your hands if you’re unlucky. With a bright red beak and a scream that would intimidate even the fussiest of babies, Red billed gulls make up the bulk of the sea-life you see outside of the water. Lining the road of Aromoana, they have quickly realised that people = food. As we pull up to the dive site, we are welcomed by the stare of countless beady eyes checking to see if we put our food where our mouth is.
Despite their bad reputation, these gulls are actually incredibly interesting and are an integral part of the Otago region. They’re legally protected for a reason (yes, tormenting them is a crime – enjoy prison ya freak), and in fact the species was declared “Nationally vulnerable” in 2008. This was following a decline in main-breeding populations, including the colony at Kaikoura. Luckily for us in the Otago region, their population here has been consistently increasing – no doubt an effort on their behalf to well and truly exploit the mess of Otago Students.
Overall, these little shits should have a special place in the heart of every kiwi – no matter how many times they excrete on your car.
(PICTURE OF RED BILLED GULL)
7/10 – Needs some manners