Throughout the Summer months gull chicks will be hatching all over the city and in coastal areas. In the city gull parents choose tall buildings for their nest sites. They particularly like flat roofs on which to rear their noisy brood.
When the chicks are ready to fledge (leave the nest) they jump and flutter down on to pavements , alleys, car parks, gardens etc. As they are unable to fly at this stage the parents feed and guard them, often dive-bombing anyone who interferes. It can take up to two weeks for the flight feathers to develop.The gull chicks are almost as big as the adults. Their feathers are brown and speckled. The chicks should never be removed, as the parents are feeding them, unless they are on the street. If they must be moved to a safer place it should be very close by so that the parents can see them. 
Many fledglings stay on the ground for a period of time after they leave the nest as their flight feathers are not developed. These include rooks, hooded crows, jackdaws, magpies, mistle thrushes, pigeons and many more. Their parents feed them, guard them and teach them to fly.
Please do not remove any of these birds in the mistaken belief that they are injured. They need the protection and example of their families so as to survive in the wild.
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