Zero nests this year.
That was the goal for Countdown Oamaru after several years of problem-level numbers of red-billed gulls nesting atop the supermarket, and it has been achieved.
A Countdown spokeswoman said deterrents, including spikes, a laser “cannon”, kites, and removing nesting material, were “clearly working”.
“The birds have decided not to nest on our roof this year, which is welcome news for our customers and our team,” the spokeswoman said.
However, the gulls have not gone far, migrating en masse just a few hundred metres south.
Streeter Concepts owner Lance Streeter said he felt for businesses in the Lower Thames St area, where the birds were now causing havoc.