"In Hatava, all conditions are met for them." Why do so many gulls live on one roof near Minsk?

Why did gulls favor Hatava?

Ornithologists from the Academy of Sciences have been observing gulls inhabiting Hatava and its surroundings since the early 2000s. The bird colony formed there in the late 90s.

"I wouldn't claim that this is the largest colony of large white-headed gulls in our country. Rather, it's the largest of all known to us," the ornithologist emphasizes.

Павялічыць

Large white-headed gulls include the Caspian Gull, European Herring Gull, and Yellow-legged Gull. Along with them, the Common Gull can be found – a species listed in the Red Book of Belarus. For nesting in cities, these birds increasingly choose roofs because they resemble their natural environment – isolated rocks and islands. Tall buildings provide birds with safety, excellent views, and constant access to food.

Павялічыць

"Why are there so many gulls specifically in Hatava? Simply because all the conditions are met for them there: both the large flat roof of the factory and a good food base. These birds are omnivorous; they feed on fish, small rodents, and waste. And near the agro-town there is a lake and many fields."

Павялічыць

Gulls need a body of water nearby not only for food. At least once a day, these birds must "take a shower" to maintain the waterproofing and thermal insulation of their plumage.

"For food, gulls can fly quite far – a distance of 15 kilometers or even more. That is, these birds use a vast territory to forage."

Павялічыць

"Gulls can completely be called our helpers"

Climate change and urbanization have altered the lifestyle of gulls. While previously they were predominantly migratory birds, now many of them increasingly stay for the winter. In addition, some gulls have gradually transformed from wild birds into synanthropic ones. This means they began to stay close to humans and learned to benefit from it.

Павялічыць

"In fact, gulls are a very important element of the ecosystem. A large adult gull (for example, a Caspian Gull) can bring four to five voles or a dozen or two chafers and their larvae to its chicks in the nest at once. Therefore, gulls can entirely be called our helpers: they regulate the number of rodents and insects, including agricultural pests. Gulls also eat a lot of waste and carrion – this is their sanitary role."

Павялічыць

Why did gulls move closer to residential buildings, and why are they now so easy to encounter even in the city center? For example, "Onliner" employees constantly hear the cries of these birds, even though there is no body of water near their office.

Павялічыць

"We ourselves 'invited' gulls into the city. While even 10-20 years ago, reservoirs like Svislach or Chizhovka Reservoir mainly belonged to birds and other animals, today they are increasingly occupied by people. Promenade catamarans appeared, embankments were arranged, and there are significantly more vacationers."

Павялічыць

According to Iryna Samusenka, a similar situation is developing in other cities. Due to the mowing of vegetation, cutting down bushes, large-scale landscaping, and active development of natural habitats, there are fewer and fewer places for urban bird species to live. Water bodies and coastal areas, which were once a peaceful environment for them, are now almost entirely developed by humans. Those who adapt best survive.

Павялічыць

But at the same time, people also create new conditions for gulls. For example, in the 1940s, Komsomolskoye Lake was built, in the 1950s - Minsk Sea, and later other water bodies appeared within or near the city. And, of course, birds settled in these places.

"Large white-headed gulls prefer large bodies of water. If so many artificial reservoirs had not appeared in our cities, then, most likely, smaller species of these birds would prevail there."

Павялічыць

"In some cases, bird deterrents may be needed; in others, their protection"

In Minsk, large white-headed gulls inhabit many areas of the city – these birds can be found near Komarovka, in the area of the Riga department store, on Pushkinskaya, in Serebryanka, Shabany, and other industrial zones…

— Simply, unlike Hatava, where a massive concentration of gulls can be observed in one place, in Minsk, birds gather on different roofs. It's convenient for them there: high, safe, a flat surface. Moreover, they mainly choose buildings with various structures where they can build a nest and hide from the heat.

However, roofs are not a panacea for gulls. Under the scorching sun, artificial coverings get scorching hot, causing injuries to the birds. I have even encountered chicks with burned paws. In addition, high-rise buildings are often far from water, and adult individuals can lose their offspring due to being unable to provide them with the necessary amount of water. In cases of solitary nesting and small settlements, parental protection is not always effective, so eggs and small chicks can be carried away by crows.

Павялічыць

— Can a large number of gulls in the city harm people in any way?

— We currently have a project planned specifically dedicated to researching this topic. It aims to develop recommendations for reducing the negative impact of gulls on urban areas. But first of all, this harm still needs to be proven. Because in some places, birds can cause inconvenience – dirtying cars, crying loudly – while in others, they can, on the contrary, bring more benefits.

Павялічыць

Ornithologists will have to study all the roofs in Minsk where gulls nest, investigate how they are distributed and feed, how the number of birds is connected with landfills and waste, etc.

"It is important to understand that even within a single gull family, a single approach cannot be applied. Each species has its own characteristics: nesting periods, preferences in habitat selection, migration, wintering. Therefore, the recommendations will also differ. In some cases, bird deterrence may be necessary, in others – on the contrary, their protection."

Павялічыць

"You shouldn't feed wild birds. You can only supplement their diet."

Like any wild animals, gulls can be carriers of parasites and some infections. But, according to the ornithologist, the risk of humans contracting bird diseases is lower than commonly believed.

Павялічыць

"If you don't directly contact the birds, the likelihood of getting infected from a sick gull is significantly less than from a person who sneezed next to you in an elevator or with whom you held onto a handrail in public transport. However, we are planning to research helminths in gulls for the first time. For our country, this topic is practically unexplored, especially as applied to urban populations. Perhaps they have characteristics we are not yet aware of."

Павялічыць

The specialist also reminds: after contact with a bird or its droppings, it is enough to follow ordinary hygiene rules – thoroughly wash your hands. As for feeding gulls and other urban birds, one should not overdo it either.

"But here it's important to distinguish between two concepts. You shouldn't feed wild birds. You can only supplement their diet, that is, help them with food during a difficult period, for example, in winter, during severe frosts, when food is truly hard to find. But not become a constant and primary source of food for birds."

Павялічыць

The scientist explains: feeding bread or other unsuitable food year-round does more harm than good to birds. However, seasonal supplementary feeding during extreme weather conditions also has an educational effect: it helps people be more attentive to nature and teaches them how to coexist properly with wild animals.

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