Question: Where should I look to see peregrine falcons in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Answer: During the breeding season peregrines stay near their nest.
Third Avenue: From 2012 to 2020 (except for 2014, 2016 & 2017) the Downtown peregrines nested in an air shaft on Third Avenue, shown above. (In 2015 they chose a nook at the old Macy’s department store; it is no longer available.)
Gulf Tower: From 1991 through 2011 + 2014 and 2017, peregrines used a nestbox on the Gulf Tower and were visible on the falconcam. If they are perched on the Gulf Tower, look in the area indicated above on the north face of the Gulf Tower. The best place to stand is at the railroad station (Penn Station) or the Greyhound station parking garage roof.
(photo by Kate St. John)
Hi Kate,
Which direction does that side of the building face? I thought I read somewhere that it faced north, but I’m not sure.
I am going to try to get there for the fledge watch, but I am in Greensburg and commit to exact times or days.
Jean, The side you want to watch is the one that faces the Strip District and is visible from Liberty at 16th Street (if you happened to be standing back that far… but you won’t be).
I hung around the Pennsylvanian for awhile last year. Never saw anything, but nobody bothered me or asked me to leave! It would be nice to bring a chair, but maybe too conspicuous!