The Belgian coastal town of De Panne recently became the unlikely stage for the annual European seagull screeching championship , where more than 70 contestants gathered to perfect their imitation of the bird's distinctive shriek. On Sunday, participants from 15 countries converged for the sixth edition of this unique competition. Held within the lively confines of a local pub, the event attracted a diverse array of attendees, from families with young children to seasoned competitors, many of whom embraced the spirit by sporting seagull -themed costumes. Each attempt at mimicking the seabird's call was met with enthusiastic cheers from the appreciative crowd. A panel of judges meticulously scored each performance, allocating up to 15 points for the fidelity of the seagull sound and an additional five points for the competitor's stage presence. This quirky tradition, now firmly established, seeks to transform the public image of seagulls, which are often perceived as bothersome.…