14 October 2016
When peregrine falcons look for a nest site they choose high places, often near water, with wide-open views of the surrounding landscape and lots of prey (birds).
Out in the wilderness, peregrines nest on sheer cliffs. Pittsburgh doesn’t have cliffs but we do have nesting peregrines at on two buildings and many bridges.
It’s easy to see that a tall building resembles a cliff …
… but bridges are open structures without sheer walls.
Why do peregrines like bridges?
I found the answer in a blog post from The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB). CCB monitors nesting peregrines in Virginia where many prefer bridges at the coast.
As you read the article linked below, watch for a photo of the Benjamin Harrison Lift Bridge where Hope (black/green, 69/Z) pictured above, was banded. She has nested at both kinds of sites in Pittsburgh: six years at the Tarentum Bridge and now at a building, the Cathedral of Learning.
p.s. The article explains that peregrine nestlings from the Lift Bridge are hacked in the Shenandoah Mountains. Hope was one of those birds.
(credits are in the captions)
has Hope decided where she is going to stay this winter? She has been back and forth, almost losing out with the Cathedral of Learning. Haven’t heard any more about the other female peregrines coming to the nest. thanks
Ev, I got a report this evening that Hope is back at Tarentum tonight. No one knows what she’ll ultimately do. All we can do is wait and see.
Hi Late, just wondering if you had any info on where Hope is. I haven’t seen her in awhile. I am really hoping she comes back to the COL.
I am sorry Kate. Fast typing.
Janet, someone reported her at the CL an hour ago. About 1pm
Since there’s so little activity at the Pitt scrape, wouldn’t now be a good time to repair the Astro strip that should be along the front?
Bethany, it will be scheduled in the next month or two as usual.