People urged to leave gull chicks alone unless they are in 'immediate danger'

Julie Cronin, who runs Wildlife Rescue Cork, said: 'Gull chicks take a bit of time before they are fully feathered because they are big birds, so they need some time. I would say to people watch and see what the parents are doing and don’t rush in.'

The public is being urged not to interfere with gull chicks unless they are in “immediate danger” as the season for the birth of thousands of baby seagulls begins.

Wildlife rescuers around the country are inundated with concerned members of the public finding tiny gull chicks who have fallen off roofs or have been attacked by predators.