Living Alongside Seabirds in our local coastal villages and towns.
Here in Mousehole, seabirds are part of daily life. Whether it’s the sound of gulls overhead, a watchful line along the harbour wall, or the occasional rooftop nest, they’re as much a part of our community as the sea itself.
At Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital, Cornwall, our seabird rehabilitation work gives us a unique perspective. Every day, we see both the resilience of these birds and the challenges they face living so closely alongside us. What’s often described as “conflict” is really just shared space—and with a little understanding, that relationship can be a positive one.
Why seabirds choose to call our coastal towns and villages home
Seabirds haven’t arrived to cause problems—they’ve adapted. Natural nesting sites can be limited or disturbed, and coastal towns and villages offer safe, flat places to nest and easy access to food.
To a gull, a rooftop or chimney looks very much like a cliff ledge. Add to that the availability of food, and it’s easy to see why they settle here.
The role we play
One of the biggest influences on seabird behaviour is food.
Through our work at Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital, Cornwall, we often care for birds affected by human-related feeding—whether that’s poor nutrition, injury linked to litter, or changes in natural behaviour.
Simple steps can make a big difference:
- Keep bins secure and food waste contained
- Avoid feeding gulls (even unintentionally)
- Pick up dropped food where possible
Small changes like these help support healthier, more natural behaviours.
Nesting season: understanding behaviour
During spring and early summer, seabirds are raising chicks. At this time, they can become more defensive, which people often experience as dive-bombing or loud calling. All they are doing is protecting their young.
While it can feel intimidating, this behaviour is temporary and protective.
A bit of patience—and simple awareness—goes a long way.
Knowing when to help
At Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital, Cornwall, we regularly care for birds that are injured, entangled, or struggling due to environmental pressures.
If you find a seabird:
- Observe first—young birds are often still being looked after. Their parents may be away finding food
- If clearly injured or in danger, contact a local rescue or rehabilitation service
- Minimise handling to reduce stress
Timely, informed action can make a real difference.
A shared space
Seabirds have been part of life on this coastline for generations. With just a little understanding, we can reduce conflict and create a more balanced coexistence.
If you’d like to support the work of Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital, Cornwall—whether through raising awareness, volunteering, or contributing to the care of the birds we rehabilitate—you’re helping protect the future of these incredible animals.
We live in a shared space. And with care, it’s one where both people and seabirds can thrive.