Yes, we live near the sea and yes, we expect seagulls (Letters, July 14) but let's not get too emotive about herring gulls.

They are not native to Brighton but the whole of the British Isles. They are intelligent and by nature opportunists and scavengers.

That's why in urban areas you see them on rubbish tips and around rubbish bags - not because there isn't enough food for them in the sea.

Even in their natural environment they harass other sea birds and steal their food, take eggs from nests and also take young birds and eat them.

-W Pennick, Brighton