Shouting at seagulls keeps them away from your food, research shows

Don't want your food to become bird food? Research suggests there's a simple way to stop gulls from stealing your snack: tell them not to! — Photo: Bernd Wüstneck/dpa

As big as buzzards and bold as brass, seagulls swollen on diet of scraps from bins in coastal towns and cities can be persistent pests, particularly for anyone trying to enjoy a lunchtime sandwich or a picnic.

But there is probably a straightforward-enough solution, even if it sounds like winging it at first: just shout at the gulls if they get too close - if your lungs and self-consciousness are up for it.