Primary suspect and partner in attempted crimes

Anyone recognize this innocent looking guy? He’s wanted in connection to a series of attempted break-ins (or should I say beak-ins?) around Ocean Beach.

Gulls are well known as clever birds: they learn, remember, and teach their young new behaviors. They also have a complex method of communication and a highly developed social structure that allows them to organize how they perpetrate their crimes.

Casing the joint before attempted break-in

In recent months, the gulls have been spotted pecking on car windows as people enjoy their lunch by the ocean, and most recently, literally tore the screen off my neighbor’s window in an attempt to get inside. The perp in question, along with his buddy (who looks a lot like the suspect pictured) have also been spotted running their beaks along the edges of car doors in what appears to be an effort at opening the doors.

Seagull seeks entry with a knock on the window

Two weeks ago, a couple gulls were seen coordinating a beak-in at my neighbor’s house. One seemed to act as a look-out while his buddy pecked at the glass door so loud I thought it would shatter.

Also recently, I came home to find the gulls outside my front door, peering into the house, flapping their wings against the window as if trying to shatter the glass. And then one of them spotted the pet door. An attempt was made to come inside, but I successfully foiled their plan.

Red poop

Over the past six months, the gulls have been producing red droppings. Usually their droppings are white, but, of late, bright red. Research says it could be internal bleeding — but it’s not bloody, it’s more like red oatmeal. It’s possible that there’s an abundance of red seafood they discovered.

What might the gulls eating?

“You got me,” said Wayne, a member of the San Diego Audubon Society. “I have no idea and I haven't noticed it at Pacific Beach.”