For years Karli Mann has been waiting for the right moment to unleash her rather unique party trick.
In front of a flock of over 100 bird lovers in Beacon Hill Park, she finally got her chance to spread her wings and fly.
Competing in the second annual Scream Like a Gull contest, Mann soared to victory, her ear-piercing screech rated top ahead of around 15 other seagull impersonators.
“It feels good to share it with the world,” she said, speaking to Victoria News.
The event was hosted by Rocky Point Bird Observatory Society (RPBO) as part of their World Migratory Bird Day celebrations May 9, kicking off Victoria Bird Week, which runs until May 17.
Competitors were judged on their accuracy, volume, creativity and audience reaction, with judges Saanich Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Virgin Radio host Johnny Novak and Eagle Wing Tours co-owner Brett Soberg, marking them out of five.
Last year, it was Novak who flew off with the coveted gull-calling crown. This year, he doesn’t think he would have fared as well.
“I’m so glad I competed last year because I definitely would not have won this year,” he said. “It was a really, really good talent pool – everyone was incredible.”
For Novak, winner Mann was the total package – dressed in white with a black cap for a beak and backed by an impressively authentic cry.
“Even closing my eyes, I thought, is that Karli or is that a gull?” said Novak.
It’s no surprise Mann has her gull call down pat. Gulls are her favourite bird and she regularly spends time with them on her balcony.
“They’re everywhere,” she says. “They’re silly, whimsical, they’re out there having fun, snacking, and they’re quite majestic.”
Mann first discovered the gull hidden within her when she moved from Edmonton to Victoria in 2014.
“In the back of my mind I thought, I think I can make that noise,” she said. “I’d never tried it before, and it was just available to me in my vocal cords.
“I have no idea why, but it’s just there.”
Amid the cacophony of squawks, screeches and laughter, the contest also carried a more serious message about the challenges facing some gull populations.
Though glaucous-winged gulls are a familiar sight across Victoria, appearances can be deceiving, explains RPBO board member Liam Ragan.
“In reality, a lot of surveys have been showing they’re declining rapidly,” he says. “And it’s because of things like marine plastic, lack of food as we over-fish herring, disturbance on their islands and off-leash dogs.”
Ragan hopes the event will encourage folks to think about what they can do to help, such as keeping dogs leashed in Victoria’s migratory bird sanctuaries or supporting policies that protect fish stocks.
For those who missed this year’s contest – or those eager to unleash their own inner gull – there’s good news, Scream Like a Gull is expected to fly back into Beacon Hill Park in 2027.
“As long as there’s gulls, we’ll be here,” promises Ragan.
For more information about RPBO and their Victoria Bird Week events, visit: rpbo.org.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Gulls just wanna have fun: Victoria seagull squawk showdown returns.
Feather in his cap: Victoria man’s seagull screech soars above the rest.