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Scavenger numbers decline

One of the Island's best known birds is in decline.

The Herring gull - perhaps the most easily recognised of all Manx birds, but loathed by many for its aggressive scavenging - is now listed in the United Kingdom as a bird of medium conservation concern.

The Island doesn't have the same historical data on bird numbers as the UK, but it seems several species, such as yellow hammer and lapwing, have reduced in distribution here.

Chris Sharpe, from Island Birdlife, says the reasons for the Herring gull's plight aren't immediately obvious:




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