I have a few favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, and one of the top three is The Birds. The film was released in March 1963. It’s hard to believe it was created so long ago. Even though I have seen it multiple times, I still find it engrossing. Writing this review is beginning to beguile me to watch it again. The film is available in many venues and is often available to rent in DVD form in public libraries.

A real-life story about birds behaving badly takes place in Ocean City, New Jersey. We are regular beachgoers in the summer, and Ocean City is one of our favorite spots to visit. Unfortunately, they have a problem with ornery seagulls. The birds have become masters at stealing food from those walking on the boardwalk or sunning on the beach.

Seagulls have victimized my family; although it is funny, it leaves you hungry to have most of your hoagie or french fries stolen right out of your hand or lap. The birds have even learned how to get into beach bags and will drag a bag of potato chips across the sand until it bursts and the contents spill out.

The town has found a way to combat the problem naturally by using predatory birds. The hawks and falcons don’t need to attack any of the gulls or smaller birds; all they need to do is be visible and fly along the boardwalk and beach a few times, and all the seagulls leave for a friendlier boardwalk and beach.

Although having my snacks or lunch stolen by a seagull is extremely aggravating, I still love seabirds. Hearing that distinctive cry of a gull passing overhead always gives me a bit of a thrill. The ocean and seaside are one of my favorite spots in the world.