17 April 2025
This week there is a wide range of activity at our local peregrine nests, from pairs who began incubating just 1-2 weeks ago to our earliest hatch at the Tarentum Bridge. The big event to watch for is Hatch Day at the Cathedral of Learning next week.
Cathedral of Learning, Univ of Pittsburgh:
Ecco and Carla are nearing the end of incubation so one of them is always at the nest 24×7. Lately Ecco has been arriving before dawn for the first nest exchange of the day as shown at top on 12 April and in this morning’s video below.
Notice that Ecco makes soft squeaky noises as he settles over the eggs this morning. It may be because the chicks inside each egg are old enough to hear him and perhaps respond.
Watch the National Aviary falconcam at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning for Hatch Day next week — some time between 22 and 25 April 2025. If you observe them every day you’ll know that hatching is near when Carla refuses to get off the eggs. Mother peregrines always preside on Hatch Day.
Sewickley Bridge, Ohio River:
female into nest box (yellow arrow), male leaving
Great news at the Sewickley Bridge! Yesterday Jeff Cieslak confirmed that the pair is incubating when he witnessed a nest exchange and captured photos.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh:
At this point it is certain that incubation has begun, perhaps on or around March 26. On 8 April Adam Knoerzer reported on eBird with the photo above:
Female perched on exterior light fixture facing in the direction of Shadyside/Oakland. Male visible while shuffling/readjusting egg(s) during incubation.
Tarentum Bridge, Allegheny River:
They’ve hatched! Dave Brooke reports the female was feeding young in the nestbox on 12 April though the chicks were too tiny to see above the edge of the box. Pretty soon there will be good views from these vantage points.
SUMMARY FOR SOUTHWEST PA:
All potential and existing peregrine sites are listed in the table below BUT YOU HAVE TO SCROLL TO SEE THEM. News is sketchy to non-existent at most sites. For instance, I checked for incubation Downtown on Tuesday 15 April and saw nothing.
Help fill in the blanks by visiting a site near you. Leave a comment if you find anything!
Based on my very unofficial observations, incubation seemed to start in East Liberty on or around March 26. With that in mind, hatching would likely be happening, what, April 28ish? Will update as able!
Thanks, Adam!
I visited the East Liberty site after work…where is the nest. I saw a peregrine in flight but could’t see where it settled.
thanks
I believe it’s easiest to see from S Highland Ave or the corner of S Highland & Baum at Lorelei. See pictures here with what to look for https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2025/03/18/east-liberty-peregrine-news/
I’ve seen a Bald Eagle sitting atop a light half way across the 62nd St bridge a few times. Last time was early Monday morning. I don’t know if this would deter peregrines from frequenting the area.
Hmmm! If peregrines were nesting there they would chase it away.
I think the eggs at the Cathedral are getting closer to hatching maybe today or tomorrow. Carla seems restless as she keeps wriggling around on top of the eggs.
I posted too soon the chick I thought was dead finally moved but it took her a long time before she finally tucked it under her. Looks like she has left the other two eggs out in the open & isn’t incubating them any longer.
It’s hot in the sun today — high in mid 80s. Also the chicks have to dry off.