Plans had been made for today. We had arranged to release the first batch of common gulls. These, you may remember, were hatched and reared at Hessilhead. The gulls had to be caught and put into boxes, just 2 to a box. We were grateful that Liz, from Starling Learning, had offered the use of her van again this year. This meant that 72 gulls could be transported. We hadn’t expected a thunderstorm to drench us while we were catching the gulls, but thankfully the sun was shining by the time we released them at Hunterston. The gulls were keen to fly, but most stayed within a few hundred yards, bathing and then searching for new things to eat. There were other common gulls on the sandfs, so hopefully our youngsters will follow their example.

Social tagging: Common Gull > Gull > Hessilhead > Larus canus > Rescue > Wildlife