New! Beach Ave nest
Now that we’re far into the breeding season, all the chicks are larger and more mobile. As a result they’re much more visible, making it significantly easier to spot nests that were otherwise invisible due to barriers that blocked my view.
On my way from the Burrard nests I heard the excited chipping of some chicks about to be fed. After a quick scan of nearby rooftops, I spotted the heads of three fledglings poking out above rows of anti-bird spikes.
The building is located on Beach Ave, so that’s what I’ll be calling this nest.
Beach Ave nest context
Here’s a photo showing the location of the this nest.
Notice the netting that’s been draped on the platform on the upper right to prevent gulls from nesting there.
Clipper nest #1
All three chicks were in their favourite place by the cinder blocks, in the midst of a stare-down with a crow who was inspecting the rooftop.
I spotted just one adult and one chick at Clipper nest #2.
Burrard nest #3
The Burrard nests on the eastern side of the bridge have a drawback in that there is no shade until the afternoon. The morning was already getting hot, so in order to keep itself cool the chick is doing what’s called “gular fluttering” – the bird equivalent to panting. You’ve probably noticed crows doing this on hot days.
If the chick was younger or the heat more intense, the parent would position itself to provide shade for the chick.
Grassy nest
You can see the three chicks at Grassy nest doing the same thing to keep cool.
Looking at this photo now, I realize my human bias at play. I imagined this nest must be one of the most desirable given the size and location. Taking into account the almost complete lack of shade or hiding spots, perhaps gulls don’t value this nest as highly.
Culinary nest
These two fledglings seem to always be sleeping during my recent visits.
It’s remarkable to me that just over a month ago they were tiny spotted chicks. Once the season is over and all the gulls have fledged, I plan to write a post showing the progress of the chicks from this nest.
Apartment nest
A distant photo, but I was able to spot a second chick at the Apartment nest.
Design nest
Once again, I spotted only two chicks at Design nest, both of which soon wandered into a shaded area where I couldn’t see them. Was the third chick already there in the shade?
Other updates
Penthouse nest was entirely vacant – no sign of adult or chick. I can’t back it up with any evidence other than a hunch, but I suspect that the chick was mobile enough that the parent may have herded it around to the other side of the building. If so, they’ll have a lot more privacy and shade on the western side, though I’ll have a difficult time seeing them again.
Despite staking out Cambie nest for at least ten minutes, I saw no sign of any chicks or adults. I’m starting to think perhaps they fledged after all and are starting the most challenging year of their life. Best of luck my friends.
Until next time.