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.
University Nest
Another photo of the parent gull in a defensive position.
Square Nest
The three chicks at Square Nest are more mobile than last weekend, wandering around the rooftop and pursuing their parent, begging for food.
Square Nest
The three chicks and parent from another angle.
Clipper Nest #1
The chicks at Clipper Nest #1 are nearly fledgling age – I found them all testing out their wings, briefly lifting their feet from the rooftop they’ve known since their birth, being pulled by an irresistible force to grasp and toy with the winds.
Cambie Nest
One of the two chicks from Cambie Nest in the old bald man phase.
Cambie Nest
The same chick mid-stretch.
Cambie Nest
A parent at Cambie Nest – note the band on the right leg. Despite many photos, I couldn’t get the entire band number to report it. Perhaps in the next few visits I can piece it together.
Klondike Nest
One of the parents at Klondike Nest was especially vocal on my approach…
Klondike Nest
I quickly discovered why: on a lower rooftop I spotted a chick that seems to have made its way down from the presumed nesting area higher up.
Pyramid Nest
The two chicks and banded adult at Pyramid Nest.
Silver Seas Nest
A sleepy looking chick at Silver Seas Nest.
Fountain Nest #2
Three chicks and a parent at Fountain Nest #2.
Wellington Nest
Two chicks at Wellington Nest, a nesting site I spotted last year that I can verify as active again this year.
Sienna Nest
…and two chick way up at Sienna Nest, also initially spotted last year.
QGIS Map
As always, my updated QGIS map can be found here.
Rehabilitated Gull
And finally, on Monday I had the privilege of banding my first Glaucous-winged Gull – it was found with a wooden skewer protruding through its neck. Unbelievably, the incredible people at Wildlife Rescue Association were able to remove the skewer and successfully rehabilitate this lucky gull. Please support them in their work if you can.
Here’s a link to a short local news report.