Cambie Nest
Walking home from work last week, I saw that the west side of the Cambie Street Bridge was no longer closed for repairs. This morning I was able to visit Cambie Nest. This nest is one of the closest and most visible nests, making for many great observations in the past years.
I found the nest in the same location as previous years, with a gull brooding in the morning sun.
Square Nest (new!)
A new nest for this season. Square Nest is located a building west of Crossfit Nest, in the same block that is slated to be replaced with condos. A gull leaving the location caught my eye – I think they had just swapped off brooding duties – and I promptly noticed the nest. There has not been a nest in this location since I started monitoring in 2023, so I’m curious if these are gulls breeding for the first time. Or perhaps as nest locations are demolished, pairs are becoming less strict about selecting nesting sites?
In any case, I’m always excited when I find a new nest location.
Crossfit Nest
Both parents were present at Crossfit Nest – one brooding and one rambling around the roof nearby. Not a great photo, but this gull seemed content to face into the corner and barely moved when I was there.
Nest Locations
An wide-angle view of the Crossfit and Square nest locations. Beach Ave Nest is located out of frame to the upper right.
Clipper Nest #1
Morning light on one of the parents brooding at Clipper Nest #1.
Burrard Nest #2
These nests on the tops of the Burrard Street Bridge towers are hard to photograph well. Despite being relatively small and exposed, they are popular spots, with at least four pairs of gulls nesting on them.
Hornby Nest
A mediocre photo of Hornby Nest.
University Nest
I found University Nest last year, though only after chicks were present. This year I may have found the nest location. When I arrived, both birds were walking around the rooftop, but soon one stopped and seemed to start brooding. Perhaps I caught them as they were swapping duties.
Continental Nest
On a rooftop of grasses and weeds at the foot of the Granville Street Bridge I spotted a gull that looks suspiciously like it’s brooding. If I can confirm this location, it will be a new nest site.
Brewery Nest
This nest is not active yet, but I spotted a gull inspecting the site and hanging around nearby. I bet we’ll see a brooding gull at the nest site next weekend.
Rainbow Nest
A brooding gull surrounded by rooftop foliage.
QGIS Map
I’ve updated my QGIS map of nests with the latest information and discoveries. You can find it here.
Until next time.