From the gutter to salvation for rescued gull

A hapless gull received salvation thanks to a Dunedin firefighter today.

The red-billed gull became stuck in the guttering of the Salvation Army building on Crawford St this afternoon.

Shortly after, firefighter Kyle Johnstone, of Dunedin City Station, freed the plucky bird.

It promptly flew off.

Red-bill gulls (tarāpunga) are common around Dunedin, but are decreasing nationally at an ''alarming rate,'' according to the Department of Conservation.

As a result, they are listed as "nationally vulnerable''.

Three species of kiwi share the same classification.