I have a few favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, and one of the top three is The Birds. The film was released in March 1963. It's hard to believe it was created so long ago. Even though I have seen it multiple times, I still find it engrossing. Writing this review is beginning to beguile me to watch it again. The film is available in many venues and is often available to rent in DVD form in public libraries.
A real-life story about birds behaving badly takes place in Ocean City, New Jersey. We are regular beachgoers in the summer, and Ocean City is one of our favorite spots to visit. Unfortunately, they have a problem with ornery seagulls. The birds have become masters at stealing food from those walking on the boardwalk or sunning on the beach.
Seagulls have victimized my family; although it is funny, it leaves you hungry to have most of your hoagie or french fries stolen right out of your hand or lap. The birds have even learned how to get into beach bags and will drag a bag of potato chips across the sand until it bursts and the contents spill out.
The town has found a way to combat the problem naturally by using predatory birds. The hawks and falcons don't need to attack any of the gulls or smaller birds; all they need to do is be visible and fly along the boardwalk and beach a few times, and all the seagulls leave for a friendlier boardwalk and beach.
Although having my snacks or lunch stolen by a seagull is extremely aggravating, I still love seabirds. Hearing that distinctive cry of a gull passing overhead always gives me a bit of a thrill. The ocean and seaside are one of my favorite spots in the world.
What a humane way to keep seagulls at bay. Hawks are a great idea. I have never experienced seagulls stealing our food, but they're used to us feeding them on the island my parents live at. They will always wait patiently when we clean the fish to get all the juicy parts. :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother did tell me that a seagull ate the food she left for cats a few days ago. I think it was the first time he did something like that. Maybe our seagull will come naughty some day, too. For the time being, they are still wonderfully behaved.
I'm with you, I love the seagulls. The ones they are trying to control, as you said humanely, have become aggressive. To me nothing is prettier than a calm ocean with a lot of gulls on the beach napping and socializing with each other.
DeleteThe Birds is a classic. I have never had a bad experience with any seagulls but they are much hated birds sadly. And the Hawk is amazing. Gorgeous birds :-D
ReplyDeleteI love the seagulls, but we have had our bags and food stolen away. They are pretty clever birds.
DeleteA very interesting post with memories. I'm a bit wary of seagulls. I remember almost being attacked by them on an island off Marseille. Without realizing it, I'd probably got a little too close to their nests. As for the film by Hitchkock, who was a very perverse director, I have excellent memories of it. I'll have to see it again.
DeleteHitchcock was so masterful at creating suspense. His music always gave clues about what was about to happen.
Delete