The teen has said he spends his days patrolling Whitby harbour as an eagle, aiming to prevent seagulls from snatching people’s fish and chips. Enterprising Corey Grieveson not only earns a decent income from tips but also entertains tourists who often request photos with him.
Corey was recruited by chip shop owner Alex Boyd, 31, who wanted a “live seagull deterrent” for his establishment.
However, it appeared that the seagulls have taken their own form of “revenge” by regularly defecating on Corey’s impeccably clean car.
Despite this setback, Corey, who humorously claims to be fluent in “eagle-ish,” continues to delight visitors with his unique job.
He said: “People absolutely love it. They approach me asking for pictures and whatnot. I feel like a bit of a celebrity.
“I just charge at the seagulls when I see them. I also have to look out for them going near people, and when they do, I run at them and get them away.
“I’ve had gulls hit me on the side of the face with their wing before, then they’ll get down, take your food. They’ll do it so quickly that you just don’t expect it at all.
“It’s quite frightening, especially for the older generation, if they’re walking along having some chips.
“And at the moment, they won’t leave my car alone. I clean it every day, and when I come back, it’s covered in seagull poop. I think they are trying to get their revenge.”
Having spent his childhood in Whitby, Corey begins his work shift at 6 am.
Throughout the summer season, he diligently patrols the harborfront, offering protection to vacationers against seagull assaults.
There was an instance where Corey’s assistance proved invaluable to a wedding party, and as a result, he received an impressive total of £72 in tips within a single day.
He said: “I went over, did my job, and they said: ‘This is for doing that and looking after us!’ There were maybe about 50 people.
“I’ve always liked birds – big birds in particular. I just wanted to do something that was going to stand out and make me known.”
Mr Boyd, the co-owner of Mister Chips, a popular takeaway shop near Whitby’s West Pier, proudly shared that he hired Corey to join their team.
According to Mr Boyd, ever since Corey started his courageous work, customers have been extremely pleased with the results.
The pier area has long been plagued by a significant seagull issue, but Corey’s presence has made a notable difference.
He said: “It’s just got worse and worse and worse. I tried putting out big fake eagles on sticks, but they just get wise to it. They knew it wasn’t a real bird. They’re really clever.
“So I spoke to Corey, and I said ‘Would you fancy working in the shop through the winter, and in the summer, being a full-time seagull scarer?’
“Corey has quite a bit of banter with customers. When they come and speak to him, he will make bird noises back. He says: ‘I don’t speak English, I speak eagle-ish’.
“It’s taken me so long to realise what we needed – a live deterrent. If you spend £15 per hour to keep the customers safe and the seagulls away, then it’s good for the shop.”
Corey said the job has its benefits and added: “It keeps you fit, it’s a lovely job to have, really.
“You’re outside all the time in the good weather. And when the weather is bad, the seagulls aren’t there.”
