Gulls killed by traffic along Stafnesvegur near Sandgerði in Iceland

This summer, approximately 80 common gull chicks have died on Stafnesvegur, a road near Sandgerði, primarily due to reckless driving and the clumsiness of the birds. A local farmer is urging drivers to reduce their speed in the area.

The common gull population in Sandgerði has been strong this year, with more chicks successfully fledging than ever before, according to Páll Þórðarson, a farmer specializing in seabirds. He notes that ample food has contributed to the chicks’ growth and flight capabilities. However, despite the robust population, many chicks have fallen victim to traffic.

Páll estimates that nearly 80 gulls have been killed along the busy road, mentioning that while most drivers are cautious, the birds often exhibit erratic behavior, flying up and then landing directly in front of vehicles. He does not wholly attribute the deaths to speeding but acknowledges that some cars do drive too fast.

Initially, Páll attempted to remove the deceased chicks from the road but has since stopped the practice. He now prefers drivers to witness the unfortunate situation, hoping it raises awareness. For those who care about the birds, he encourages them to be vigilant while driving, especially since the chicks are very young, around three weeks old, and not particularly aware of their surroundings.