Seagulls Go Woozy on Flying Ants

Seagulls in Suffolk coastal towns, including Lowestoft and Aldeburgh, have been exhibiting peculiar behavior, appearing to stagger and act 'drunk'. This phenomenon is linked to the abundance of flying ants, which are particularly active during the excessive summer heat.

Dr. Viola Ross-Smith, an ornithologist with the British Trust for Ornithology, has proposed a theory that the seagulls are becoming intoxicated by formic acid released by the ants. When ants feel threatened, they emit this chemical defense. Consuming a large quantity of ants, according to the hypothesis, can lead to unsteadiness in the birds.

Dr. Ross-Smith explained that the formic acid could affect gulls similarly to how ethanol affects humans, causing them to seem woozy. She noted that while this is a hypothesis, other explanations include the birds being distracted by the food source or simply overwhelmed by its sheer quantity.

She encourages further investigation to confirm if formic acid is indeed the cause of the observed behavior. While public concern is not warranted for woozy birds, seeking help for those appearing genuinely ill is advised. The ornithologist also stated that such instances present an opportunity for the gulls to gorge on vital insect protein, and nature should generally be allowed to take its course.