Letter: Alarmed by a monstrous seagull

Sir: Every morning for the past week, just after 5am I have been shaken into terrified waking by a monstrous knocking on my third floor window. When I open the curtains a huge seagull is there - and he keeps knocking with his beak, ignoring me totally.

Is he mad? Narcissistic? Or does he - like budgies with a mirror - think he's met his mate?

When I lived in a cottage I didn't mind the gentle tapping of a regular wagtail visit but this sets me reaching for the panic button. The noise level is that of a road drill. And it's only 5am ...

Barbara J Buchanan

Bristol