SPEA says that the information collected will contribute to the national census of the yellow-legged gull, whose main objective is to estimate the number of breeding pairs and the distribution of breeding areas.

“All observations are important, and will help us to assess the current status of this species, which, over the last few decades, has been expanding its nesting area, especially to urban areas”, explains the conservation technician Nuno Oliveira.

The initiative starts on Saturday, May 1 and runs until 31 July, but the association clarifies that "it may be easier to confirm nesting in the months of June or July, when you can already see juvenile gulls".

To participate, just look for signs of yellow-legged gulls nesting in urban areas and fill out the online form by choosing the option that applies.

The options range from observing seagulls alone or in pairs in a nesting habitat, making territorial calls or defending the territory, and incubating - eggs or chicks.

If there is no indication that there are seagulls breeding in the area, registration should also be made, which is also one of the options contemplated in the form available on the SPEA website.

The census is a joint initiative between SPEA, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), the Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN, Autonomous Region of Madeira) and the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAM, Autonomous Region of the Azores).

To take part in the census, please visit https://www.spea.pt/censos/censo-nacional-de-gaivota-de-patas-amarelas/