My concern for the Cambie nest in my previous post was justified after all. As I approached my vantage point for this nest I saw several workers cleaning the rooftop, and instantly noticed that the nest platform was swept clean…

Cambie nest removed

I had thought of subtitling this post “as the world burns…”, but it struck me as simultaneously too corny and too obvious. I am unceasingly astounded that as a species we continue to minimize or even deny anthropogenic climate change, even as we witness it engulf the entire planet.

A quote from Shakespeare’s King Lear has been echoing through my mind lately:

“When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.”

That aside, this morning I was surprised to spot a new nest from the Burrard St. Bridge. The nest was hidden by the ledges - but now the chicks are exploring and I got a good view of them.

Pyramid nest

I was going to leave this for the finale, but instead I’ll to lead with a surprise discovery I made the other morning: I found a new nest!

Despite having walked past it half a dozen times and it being around 25 feet from the bridge-deck, I completely missed it until now.

It’s located on the rooftop of the Culinary nest building, so I’m going to name it…

Penthouse nest

As we enter into the hottest global days our species has ever experienced, it’s difficult not to worry about the fate of breeding birds – and Earth’s ecosystems in general. While it has been hot in Vancouver, we haven’t seen the oppressive heat dome that caused so much havoc last year. Hopefully we will avoid the worst outcomes this year.

Last Friday I got out early to check in with my gulls. All the nests seem to be doing well, and I spotted a handful for new chicks too.

Design nest adult