April 27, 2026, 5:38 p.mApril 27, 2026, 5:38 p.m
In the Belgian coastal town of De Panne there was screaming – and quite deliberately. Over 70 participants from a total of 15 countries gathered in a pub to compete against each other at the European Seagull Imitation Championship.
What seems bizarre at first glance has a clear goal: the shorebirds, which are often perceived as a nuisance, should be given a better image.
The organizer’s mission is to make seagulls “sexy again”. With a lot of commitment, creativity and humor, the bird enthusiasts took on the challenge of imitating the seagulls’ characteristic cry as realistically as possible.
The participants were evaluated by a jury according to a clear points system. Up to 15 points could be awarded for the quality of the seagull imitation, while the appearance counted for a maximum of 5 points in the overall ranking. So a total of 20 points were achievable.
The competition has now become a permanent tradition and has now taken place for the sixth time. However, there was nothing to be gained.
(emk)
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