A Plague of Locusts, No, Wait, it’s Just Seagulls Descending on Rhode Island Beach
Little Compton, Rhode Island – Beachgoers were shocked and awed this past weekend when they showed up to a popular sandy shore on the coast of Rhode Island, only to be greeted by swarms of seagulls filling the air in a Hitchcockian horror scene.
“It was like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie,” said Natalie Johnson, who was visiting from Massachusetts. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I hope I never do again.”
As it turns out, the seagull invasion wasn’t quite the biblical plague of locusts that some might have feared. According to scientists who spoke with locals, this sort of thing happens from time to time in the area.
“Seagulls are highly opportunistic birds, and when the conditions are right, they’ll flock together en masse to feast on whatever food source they have available,” said Dr. Jameson, an avian ecology researcher at the University of Rhode Island. “This time of year, they’re feeding on fish and smaller sea creatures that are plentiful in these parts, so it’s not uncommon to see large numbers of them congregating on beaches and waterfronts.”
But despite what the experts say, people on the beach were clearly terrified by the sight of thousands of birds swarming overhead, dive-bombing picnickers and sunbathers alike.
“It was like a scene out of ‘The Birds,’ but with seagulls instead,” said Robert Jenkins, a local resident who witnessed the chaos. “They were everywhere, squawking and screeching and flapping their wings. It was like they were possessed or something.”
The seagull swarm reportedly lasted for several hours before finally petering out as the birds dispersed to seek out new feeding opportunities. Many on tbeach were left shaken by the experience and vowed never to return.
“It’s just too scary,” said Marie Simpson, who was visiting from New York. “I come to the beach to relax and have fun, not to be attacked by a flock of crazed seagulls.”
In response to the incident, local authorities have issued a warning to beachgoers to be cautious and take measures to protect themselves from seagull attacks. Recommendations include bringing umbrellas or befriending a nearby pelican to ward off the angry flocks.
As for the seagulls themselves, experts say they will likely continue flocking together in large numbers as long as the food supply holds out.
“It’s just a natural part of the ecosystem,” said Dr. Jameson. “We shouldn’t fear the seagulls, but simply respect their power and adapt to coexist with them peacefully.”
So, if you’re planning a beach getaway in Rhode Island anytime soon, be sure to keep an eye on the skies and your French fries close by. You never know when you might find yourself in the midst of a terrifying seagull swarm.
