Last Thursday I received word that the two juvenile peregrines in rehab had fully recovered and were ready for release. Both were injured on June 24. “Yellow,” from the University of Pittsburgh, was found trapped in a chimney and dehydrated. “White,” born at the Gulf Tower, banged her head and was unable to fly well.
By last Thursday both birds proved they could fly and hunt on their own — very important because their siblings have left home and their parents are no longer offering training. The two were slated for release somewhere near Pittsburgh within sight of their home nest buildings. If they chose to fly home they could, but chances were just as good they’d take the opportunity to leave town on their life’s adventures.
Not knowing when they’d fly free, I’ve watched and waited to see if there were any changes at Pitt. No. Every day Karen and I see only one peregrine and it’s normally roosting — probably Dorothy.
Meanwhile in Lancaster County, Meredith Lombard reported that both fledgling peregrines at the Route 462 bridge had an exciting and nearly fatal first flight. Last week they fledged into the river where they paddled and flapped to keep afloat for hours. Fortunately the Susquehanna River is shallow and slow in July and many people were checking on the birds. Both fledglings were rescued and delivered to an island where their parents fed them immediately. Read more about their adventures here. And check for photo updates from Meredith Lombard here.
Peregrine activity is really winding down. Let me know if you see any of them.
(photo of Yellow at the University of Pittsburgh, June 4, 2010, by Kimberly Thomas)
Thank you for the update.
Good to hear about our Pittsburgh falcons. Read the story of the two in Lancaster. Do peregrines ever just do things the easy way!? Such drama!
Thanks for the update.
I’ve been keeping a lookout for them as well … and like Kate, nothing. *sigh* It’s very lonely in Oakland.
Kate, Thanks for the progress note on Yellow & White Girls. I will be in Oakland on Saturday and hope to see some activity. I found evidence of peregrine activity on the “Tour Pitt” cam Monday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sno_leopard/4860590138/
LOL NDPeter! I ditto your comments and question! 🙂
Donna, thanks for the pic! Even seeing leftovers is better than no evidence of peregrine activity.
Thank you for the good good news Kate. A HUGE thank you to the rehab facility!!
I wish I could go and shake the hands of the people who ventured out to save the Lancaster County falcons. BRAVO!
Donna, there’s a cam I never think to check. And here you go and find peregrine leftovers. Great pic. It’d be fun to say this was dorothy since we’re so familiar with her housekeeping habits, but this would seem to be pretty standard probably. Oh well, worth a chuckle remembering feathers flying everywhere and the nest box just being covered in them.
Thanks, Kate, for the update on White and Yellow. Let’s hope they stay out of trouble and find great new homes. Thanks, Donna, for the photos – great timing on your part to be able to capture these great shots. Thanks to all for sharing the nesting/hatching/fledging/worrying 🙂 I’m looking forward to going through it all over again next year.
Thanks for the update, Kate! My PW (peregrine withdrawal) is in full swing right now. I was over at the COL this afternoon and walked all around the building — looking up. Also checked Heinz Chapel, St. Paul’s, and the surrounding rooftops. Not a peregrine in sight!
Finally I was walking back to the car, and saw one do a quick circle around the top of the COL — no idea who it was — and it went around the other side so I couldn’t see where it landed. The redtails are still pretty busy around Phipps and the pool — I followed one across the Panther Hollow Bridge about an hour ago.
Today I was able to get a screen capture of a juvenile kestrel from the “Tour Pitt” cam. Thanks Kate, for the help in identification! http://www.flickr.com/photos/sno_leopard/4860051191/
A coworker heard then saw a juvenile this morning about 7 am near the bottom of Schenley Hill between CMU and Phipps!
Yesterday afternoon I saw a pair of peregrines (D & E2?) flying near Schenley Pool. Normally that’s redtail country over there, but these were NOT redtails! Not with those long, pointy wings and the way they flew. It was great to see them.
I saw a peregrine perched on the lightening rod Saturday afternoon. By its size, I assume it was Dorothy.
I saw someone asleep on the lightening rod Sunday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sno_leopard/4873506641/