To the Editor:
I am very concerned about the seagulls at Compo Beach. Every time I go there I see at least one or two kids throwing large rocks at the gulls.
The last time I was there, two boys were throwing big rocks at circling gulls. I happen to have been with wildlife rehabilitator, Dara Reid She went over to them and pointed out that the birds have feelings and a right to be at the beach.
She also told them that it is illegal to throw rocks at birds and that they are protected by law.
I talked with her and asked her how often she sees injured gulls at her wildlife center (Wildlife in Crisis) in Weston. She told me that she gets hundreds of gulls per year, and about 50 percent of them have been abused.
It makes no sense that she has to take in and treat birds that have been intentionally injured by kids while their parents watch from their beach blanket. Sometimes the parents even encourage their kids to be cruel to the animals.
The beach is a natural habitat of the gulls and when we go there we are invading their home. Rather than hurting the gulls, adults and children should observe them and enjoy their unusual communication behavior.
They will realize that gulls aren’t just things that can fly but interesting creatures that we are lucky to have.
Ellie Shapiro
King’s Highway Elementary School fifth grade
Westport
