There has been a remarkable change in the demographic at St Stephens Green duck pond. Formerly populated by a sizable number of placid ducks it is now a new hangout for dozens of large seagulls, who float about just like the ducks, almost imitating them.
The flurry that set up at the edge of the pond where a young boy was tossing in bread bits explained the draw. While ducks, no less interested in such booty, paddled in formation directly to the tosser, scooping up the pieces quickly while keeping their wings trim and using feet and tail as rudder, the seagulls by contrast flapped splashily about in undisciplined melee, stepping over one another to get at the pieces floating. As soon as the supply stopped they resumed their duck-mimicry. They outnumbered the natives 20 to 1 easily. There was two or maybe three types of seagull. The pond is as old as the park so it is a mystery why it has suddenly attracted the attention of seagulls, such voracious scavengers, normally only appeased by the torrents of bloody fish guts sliding out the sidescuttles of trawlers.
