8 September 2025

Some adult peregrines in eastern North America stay on territory year round. The Pitt peregrines at the Cathedral of Learning are one such couple.

With the breeding season over and their youngsters dispersed Ecco and Carla stay home and watch fall migration pass through Pittsburgh. Most migratory birds are of interest as a food source while raptors are watched in case they become a threat.

At night Ecco and Carla roost on the Cathedral of Learning and see each other during the day. They won’t need to court until early next year but they strengthen their pair bond by bowing at the nest a couple of times a week.

Yesterday they spent six minutes at the nest.

Ecco and Carla at the Pitt peregrine nest, 7 September 2025 (photos from the National Aviary snapshot camera at Univ of Pittsburgh)