More Than 70 Participants from 15 Countries Flock to Annual Seagull Screeching Championship

In an entertaining showcase of talent and creativity, the sixth Annual European Seagull Screeching Championship took place in De Panne, Belgium, attracting over 70 participants from 15 different countries. Held on Sunday, April 26, the event aims to reshape public perceptions of seagulls, who are often viewed as bothersome pests, by celebrating the art of mimicking their distinctive calls.

This year’s competition saw contestants from across Europe, including participants from the United Kingdom, Norway, Estonia, and Spain, demonstrating an impressive range of skills as they attempted to imitate the various sounds that seagulls produce. Contestants were judged based on both the authenticity and ingenuity of their screeches, with a maximum of 15 points available for sound quality and an additional five for originality.

Carine Gronholz, a 41-year-old entrant from Oslo, Norway, emerged victorious with a score of 90 out of a possible 100. Gronholz expressed her delight at winning, sharing her motivation for participating: “I was like, OK, I’m not going to be boring or do only grown-up things now, I’ll do this competition.” Her enthusiasm reflects the playful spirit of the event, which encourages people to embrace their humorous side.

Notably, this year marked a shift in the demographics of participants, as for the first time, there were more competitors from outside Belgium than local entrants. The presence of international participants indicates a growing appreciation for the quirky competition, which has been steadily gaining popularity since its inception.

The second spot went to Spain’s Olga Méndez Reus, who secured 88 points, while the bronze medal was claimed by Belgium’s Tom Dupont, who finished with 87 points. Both contestants showcased remarkable skills in mimicking the seabirds, each bringing their own unique flair to the sounds.

A separate category for younger entrants saw Arne Nayaert from Belgium triumph with an impressive 94 points, followed closely by Cooper Wallace from the UK and Denmark’s Astrid Andersen, who both received scores of 92. Cooper, a former winner in previous years, recounted his fascination with the birds stemming from a childhood incident where he was pecked by one, which ignited his passion for such comedic imitations.

The event’s organiser, Claude Willaert, emphasised the importance of altering negative perceptions of seagulls. He voiced his hopes that people would begin to appreciate these birds for their charm, particularly while on holiday, when the sounds of the sea and the calls of seagulls often evoke joyful memories. “So be positive about them,” Willaert encouraged, echoing the sentiments of many participants who regard seagulls as marvellous creatures.

One participant, Sam, a geography teacher from Rochester in England, finished in sixth place and shared his admiration for seagulls. He remarked on their intelligence, explaining how they can discern the end of recess at his school and swiftly swoop in to clean up leftover crumbs. Sam’s comments serve to highlight the commonly-overlooked ecological role these birds play while further adding to their appeal.

The annual championship not only provides a platform for showcasing individual talent but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants. The light-hearted nature of the competition, combined with a focus on challenging stereotypes, creates a unique cultural event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds.

As the event continues to grow, it promises not only to entertain but to challenge the conventions surrounding one of nature’s most misjudged creatures. With participants spanning a range of ages and backgrounds, the European Seagull Screeching Championship stands as a testament to the power of humour and community in changing perceptions and fostering a greater appreciation for wildlife.