Why do I do this?

It’s a difficult question to answer.

I have one free day a week, yet I get up early and wander through the city documenting gull nests. I feel strange and awkward walking across the bridges with my binoculars and camera, but I keep doing it. Who else is watching these gulls? It’s a privilege to watch the lives of these birds unfold.

Maybe I pass on a modicum of the wonder I experience to the few of you who visit my website. Maybe one or two people will spend a few moments more watching and contemplating the lives of these ubiquitous but ignored birds.

Square Nest chicks

The three chicks at Square Nest were gathered together with no adult nearby that I could see – a strange situation for such young birds.

Summer grips us tightly, the dazzling flames of sunlight unimpeded by the barren sky. The gull chicks and I retreat to shadows whenever we can, meagre though they may be. Their darkness evaporates and wanders, the sun carving a gravity-worn path across the sky.

University Nest

Arriving at University Nest, I found a gull defending its nest site against a persistent crow. The gull chased the crow a short distance, but quickly returned to the nest, knowing the crow would soon try and sneak back. After a few minutes, the crow grew tired and settled down across the street – and I saw the head of at least one young chick peeking up above the ledge.

I’ve had a busy week, and my post for last weekends’ monitoring been delayed. There’s a lot happening, so let’s begin.

Pyramid Nest

One of the chicks at Pyramid Nest was busy testing out its wings.

My rounds on Sunday morning revealed that a majority of the nests now have chicks.

Clipper Nest #2

Three older chicks spotted right after feeding time.