Another weeks brings yet more changes…

Brick Nest

We finally saw chicks at this nest last week – there were three then, but on this pass I only spotted one. Although the precipice the nest is on conjures up depressing thoughts, I’m hopeful the other two chicks crawled around behind those vents and that’s why we can’t see them.

Culinary Nest

Last week I was slightly concerned as we only saw one of the fledglings at this nest, but this week both are accounted for. These two are at the age where they can start making short flights, which sometimes result in them not being able to get back to the nest location.

Culinary Nest

A nice view of a fledgling in full juvenile plumage. Note that gray and white mottling on the rump.

Lagoon Nest (new)

While checking in on Culinary and Brick nests, some movement caught my eye. A quick glance with my binoculars and I saw three chicks and an adult at a nest I’ve never seen before. I don’t know if it’s new this season, or if I’ve simply missed it in previous years. I’ve named it Lagoon Nest.

Nest Locations

A photo highlighting the locations of Culinary, Brick and Lagoon nests.

Island Nest

Island Nest is active again this year. Due to the location, this nest is invisible until the chicks start moving around. These parents tend to nest later than most, and late July to early August is when we tend to see these chicks.

Corner Nest

I was only able to find one fledgling at Corner Nest. There are few places for them to hide at this location, so I’m not sure where the second chick was.

Umbrella Nest disturbance

Crossing the Granville Street Bridge, I noticed some guys up on the roof where Umbrella Nest is located. I suspect they were checking out the HVAC systems, but I was concerned about the fledglings. A parent was nearby keeping a close eye, but not being particularity aggressive. I finally noticed the three chicks huddled in the furtherest corner. While the people up there were ignoring or oblivious to the gulls, I kept an eye on the situation for a while, an eventually moved along once everything seemed to be ok.

Umbrella Nest chicks

The fledglings waiting out the primates.

Burrard Nest #4

Two fledglings spotted at Burrard Nest #4. On Friday there was a fireworks display in English Bay, which is located right by these nests, and I always worry about them panicking and tumbling off before they can fly. I rant about it every year and you’re all undoubtedly sick of hearing it, but the evidence keeps rolling in about just how terrible they are.

Beach Ave Nest

This time we’ve got two fledglings peeking above the edge.

Clipper Nests

Once again I counted three fledglings on the Clipper Nest roof. I’m guessing they’re all from Clipper Nest #1, since they’re behaving like siblings.

Engineer Nest

I spotted all three of the young on the Engineer Nest rooftop. Here’s two of them, the third napping away out of frame.

Chimney Nest

The two remaining chicks at Chimney Nest.

Crossfit Nest

All three of the fledglings were huddled in the corner begging for food at Crossfit Nest.

Fountain Nest

I wasn’t able to spot any chicks at, but the parent is off the nest at Fountain Nest, which suggests to me there are young there somewhere.

Bridges Nest

I spotted the parent & chick at Bridges Nest on the opposite (west) side of the sign this pass. I thought it may be a new nest, but when I checked the original (east) nest location, I didn’t see any birds. I suspect they switch sides to escape the brunt of the sun.

QGIS Map

An updated version of the interactive map: https://kmkrebs.com/qgis2026.

Until next time…

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