SIR – The word “diddums” sprung to mind when letter writer Gail Braznell decided to complain about the “scavenging” behaviour of Worcester’s most loved bird (Friday, October 7).

Her ice cream had been stolen by a gull.

Firstly, as inaccuracies are foretold, there is no such thing as a seagull.

This is a common, informal name that has been given to these birds.

They are called gulls.

Secondly, Ms Braznell that it’s our fault for littering in the first place.

But she continues to contradict herself by finishing her letter with “Let’s get them dealt with and move on”.

Gulls are resourceful, inquisitive and intelligent birds.

Gulls use mobbing behaviour; attacking and harassing intruders.

Other species also use pieces of bread as bait to catch goldfish. Gulls very rarely spend much time at sea and will venture in-land and feast upon the mess that we have created.

Gulls also use kleptoparasitism to get their food.

Unfortunately for you, Ms Braznell, this is what took place – not scavenging.

These birds do scavenge on the mess that we leave behind in our “clean and tidy” Faithful City. But that is a good thing as they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Words of advice: Don’t eat ice cream by the river, or anywhere else outside in the town for that matter.

Simon McCullough

Worcester