Nearly all the nests are empty now, and this is likely the final post for the 2024 nesting season. It’s been just over two months since I spotted the first chicks of the year at Culinary Nest on June 23rd. I can’t help thinking back to something I read in Robert MacFarlane’s introduction to The Peregrine:
This is a book which sets the imagination aloft, and keeps it there for months and years afterwards.
Having witnessed these chicks grow and take wing, some part of me has flown away with them. Like continents moving at a geological time scale, every year brings the abyss between their world and mine a few millimeters closer. When I see them soaring in the winds above False Creek, I cannot help but stand and stare.
I’ve only got a few nests left to report on, so I spent more time than usual watching adult gulls.
Pyramid Nest
I was a surprised to see both fledglings resting close to their nest. Both started begging as a parent landed at the nest site.
University Nest
After a few weeks of being unable to spot them, I finally got a view of the two fledglings at this nest.
Grassy Nest
Approaching Grassy Nest, I saw an adult fly in and begin collecting material. I can’t explain what’s going on – it must be too late for this bird to be breeding, so it seems quite strange it would be constructing or repairing a nest. Perhaps it’s early work for next season?
Culinary Nest
I found one fledgling at the nest site… perhaps a chick that was born here, perhaps a gull that decided the balcony was a good spot to rest.
Brewery Nest
The youngest chicks have lost almost all their down and are well on their way to fledging. If I do go back next weekend, this is probably the only nest I’ll find any young at.
Rainbow Nest (?)
A fledgling near Rainbow Nest, probably from there – the parents are still around and would likely chase off any strangers. Yet another example of how ineffective plastic owls are.
Resting Gull
An adult resting on a rooftop between Culinary and Restaurant nests.
Restaurant Nest
I spotted two adult gulls resting on the roof right near the Restaurant Nest location. Are these the original parents renewing their claim to the rooftop despite the nest failing? I’m curious about how territories are maintained and defended (if at all?) after breeding season.
Adult on lamp-post
I caught this gull mid-shake after preening.
Great Blue Heron
Walking back over the Granville Street Bridge, this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was perched high in a treetop above the pond near the entrance of Granville Island. I’m constantly astonished at how agile these large, gangly birds are when landing on what seem impossibly thin branches.
Until next time.