Oamaru businesses turning the SeagullBD back to CBD

Published on 16 July 2024

With the breeding season for the red-billed gull approaching Council would like to share some good news and thank building owners and tenants in the Oamaru CBD.

Dr Chris Lalas, who monitors red-billed gull nesting in Otago, has reported that in the 2023 breeding season between 7 and 9 nests were estimated to be located in the CBD. That’s a dramatic drop from 2022, when the estimate was around 150 nests.

In a sign of the success Oamaru building owners have had in dissuading nesting, the colony that was established at Graves Track has grown from an estimated 587 nests in 2022 to around 1334 nests in 2023.

These estimates are made using visual inspection, and aerial photos of the site.

Building owners and tenants are encouraged to build on this success before the 2024 breeding season by ensuring their gutters are kept clear of debris and, if safe, checking their roof regularly.

If birds are roosting, but nests do not have any eggs or chicks, it is not too late to take action. If possible, make regular checks on your roof. If you notice a sudden increase in gull activity, don’t wait – get up there safely and check it out.

You are allowed to remove nesting material that does not contain eggs or chicks.

If you find gulls with eggs or chicks contact DOC (0800 DOCHOT) so they can advise on the best way forward. It is illegal to disturb/remove breeding red-billed gulls.

Council can provide a list of roofing contractors in Oamaru familiar with red-billed gulls, their protection status and managing them. There is also information on the Council website, or available as a flyer, providing advice and guidance for building owners and tenants.

More information can be found here: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Services/Food-and-Environmental-Health/Pest-control/Red-Billed-Gulls