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Gulls at Latina's market a nuisance again this year

By Howard B. Owens

There are times you can stand in the parking lot next to the vacant Latina's market and swear that you were on the film set of  The Birds. The screeching gulls seem to get louder and grow in number.

But rather than swoop down and pluck your eyes out, these feathered varmints are more likely to poop on your car.

And those droppings have area residents complaining once again, but to little avail. 

According to City Manager Jason Molino, there is no city ordinance that the property owner is violating by allowing gulls to nest on the Latina's roof.

When the city had a problem with gulls on top of City Hall, it got a DEC permit to remove the gull eggs. Once the gulls can't nest on a roof, they look for another nesting location.

Last year, we are told, the Latina's owners didn't do anything about the gulls.

Vito Gautieri is a co-owner of the building. He hasn't returned the call The Batavian placed to his office on Thursday.

Bob Price

I noticed the gulls moved from the Valu plaza to where they are now after people put the no feeding signs in the lot- there are only a few there now-they used to be heavy around the Wal Mart area near dusk also.

Apr 26, 2010, 4:42pm Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Why oh why...Back in the day (early 60's-70's), seagulls were only found at the beach or ocean. What brings them here now? I've often pondered this. Of course, this is my earliest memory. I don't know if it's always been a problem.

Speaking of the Value Plaza, I remember on one occassion driving through the parking lot. A 'crazy' lady had an entire bag of Cheezies & was flinging the contents all over the place. The seagulls went nuts. She obviously bought the bag just to feed them.

I like my backyard birds...

Apr 26, 2010, 6:21pm Permalink
Bernie Thompson

Seagulls are scavengers and will eat most anything.The reason we see so many inland is because they have figured out that if they hang out around humans the food source will be plentiful.Not only because some will feed them freely but also some think nothing of throwing their trash out the window of a vehicle no matter where they are.Two things go together Seagulls are scavengers and some humans can be pigs.
I have found that various sound control devices which are available on the market do work.They emit high-frequency sounds that deter birds like seagulls that are within range,these could be mounted on various parts of a building or a pole attached to different corners of the same.

Apr 27, 2010, 10:01am Permalink
Robert Caplick

Just a waste seeing that building sit there... The Jackson Square is a nice area to visit & shop... The building Owners should tend to the problem, but most likely won't until papers are served... Have similar problems in the Attica area with owners that neglect their buildings.

Apr 27, 2010, 4:38pm Permalink

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