Pitt Peregrines Are Ledge Walking

Two youngsters on the railing, 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)
Two youngsters on the railing, 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)

Yesterday the Pitt peregrine chicks reached the milestone we’ve been waiting for: They started to ledge walk.

When we arrived at Schenley Plaza on Sunday morning we found both chicks on the “railing” — the wall above the nest. The railing is an excellent place to exercise their wings and eventually take off on their first flight.

Yesterday’s focus was exercise or “wing-ercise.”

One chick exercises his wings while the other one watches with his head turned upside down (photo by Peter Bell)
One chick exercises his wings while the other one watches with his head turned upside down, 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)
Wing exercises! 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)
Wing exercises! 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)

The chicks like this location because they can see for miles and whine for food. Notice how their mouths are open in the photo at top.  They’re shouting.  We could hear them at Schenley Plaza!

Eventually their shouting paid off.  One of their parents delivered a meal (parent on left holding black bird) and the two chicks raced over to eat it.

Adult peregrine delivers a meal to two chicks at Pitt, 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)
Adult peregrine delivers a meal to two chicks at Pitt, 27 May 2018 (photo by Peter Bell)

Join us at Fledge Watch, today through Wednesday (except in rain/thunder).  Check the Events page for details and in case of cancellation.

Or come down to Schenley Plaza any time in the next couple of days and to see the young birds.  Here’s where to look.

 

(photos by Peter Bell, Pitt Peregrines Facebook page)

 

3 thoughts on “Pitt Peregrines Are Ledge Walking

  1. 40 stories up, 500+ feet… How do you do it? Wing walkers on display. How rapidly they grow and change! Thank you for sharing.

  2. We love watching these beautiful birds. They make our day. We are in the process of becoming empty nesters ourselves so it is fun to watch it happening in the natural world as well! Thank you for your insights and observations.

  3. They look very healthy and ready to explore. They have grown so quickly and are beautiful birds. May their first flights be safe as they gain experience. Thanks to all the fledge watchers who spend time downtown these next few days. Exciting but a little anxiety as these little ones learn to fly.

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