19 March 2026
Right now it’s High Season for observing peregrine falcons in southwestern Pennsylvania. Most are still courting and conspicuously guarding their territories. But by mid-April they’ll become secretive and hard to find as they incubate eggs.
When a peregrine shows up unexpectedly in March I’m keen to find its nesting territory. On Saturday 14 March an immature peregrine (above) caught my attention at Bear Run Boat Launch at Moraine State Park when he flew in and landed in a tree. He was hunting for ducks and (I think) too young to nest.
We’ve had better luck with peregrines in the established territories — 11 of our 12 sites this month.
Map legend: Dark blue=bridge sites, Red=building sites, Pale blue=no success in 2025
Site List and latest activity. Yellow=fledglings last year. Scroll to see entire spreadsheet
Activity in the region:
Cathedral of Learning, Univ of Pittsburgh:
Carla laid her first egg of 2026 yesterday morning, 18 March. For the rest of the day she and Ecco took turns making sure the egg did not freeze.
In the 4.5 minute video below Ecco is on the egg when he hears Carla arrive off camera. Watch their postures and listen to Carla’s unusual vocalizations (she almost sounds like a goose at one point). By the end of this clip it is clear that she’s telling him “Time for you to go.”
Watch Ecco and Carla “live” on the National Aviary falconcam.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church steeple:
The East Liberty Presbyterian peregrines have been very active lately, particularly when the weather is fine. Adam Knoerzer stopped by on 9 March and saw the male bring in food for the female. She appears to be the same female, 3rd year in a row. On Sunday 15 March he saw “Lots of acrobatic tandem flying from the E Lib pair, loving this wind.”
Downtown Pittsburgh, 3rd Avenue: No news this month
West End Bridge, Ohio River:
Jeff Cieslak found one peregrine hanging out in the snow on St. Patrick’s Day.
Eckert Street / Brunot Island/ McKees Rocks Bridge, Ohio River:
Jeff can usually find a peregrine at Brunot Island though usually not in the same place. This one on 3 March stayed on the tower for a while.
Sewickley Bridge, Ohio River:
I photographed both peregrines at the Sewickley Bridge on 2 March. So did Jeff Cieslak. While he watched the male (left) flew over and mated with the female (right).
Monaca RR Bridge, Ohio River: Jeff Cieslak saw both peregrines perched on the Monaca-East Rochester Bridge today, 19 March. No photos yet.
62nd Street / Highland Park / Aspinwall Bridges, Allegheny River: No peregrines reported here.
Tarentum Bridge, Allegheny River:
She’s been in the nest box three days in a row. She typically is on eggs by this time every year.
— ebird checklist from Dave Brooke 15 Mar 2026
Duck Hollow, Monongahela River: 1 peregrine seen on 15 March 2026. No photos.
Westinghouse Bridge, Turtle Creek, Monongahela Watershed:
Jeff Cieslak found a peregrine perched in the usual spot at the Westinghouse Bridge on 10 March.
Rt. 40 Bridge, West Brownsville, Washington-Fayette Counties, Monongahela River:
On 4 March David Argent found one peregrine at the Rt 40 Bridge. See more of his photos here.
There’s still time to look for peregrines this month and early next month. Check out these sites soon and tell me what you see. Need directions? Leave a comment.
And a Big Thanks to Jeff Cieslak who has monitored the majority of these sites(!) and for allowing me to use his photos.
Oops — the split screen image you have attributed to the East Rochester Bridge was actually at sewickley. But coincidentally, I was at the East Rochester Bridge yesterday and saw both falcons.
Ooops!
Great Photos, Jeff! Thank you!
Oh Kate, I am anthropomorphizing again, but Carla and Echo are so dang cute!! She did sound like a goose. I agree!! Here’s to a successful season.
Thanks for these updates!! Carla did sound like a goose. Lol