These cute peregrine chicks don’t know it but today is going to be very exciting.  They’ll be taken from their nest (oh no!) and they’ll get some new jewelry.  Today is banding day.

When the event begins you’ll hear a lot of commotion on the streaming webcam and the chicks will run to the back of the nest. Then you’ll see PA Game Commission WCO Beth Fife appear on screen to collect them in a covered box to take indoors.

Dorothy and E2 will be loud and upset even though this happens every year and their chicks are always returned to them.  The good news about their reaction is this:  They’re teaching their kids that humans are dangerous, a very good lesson for a bird to learn.

In less than an hour the chicks will be returned to the nest with some nice new jewelry on their legs, just like Mom’s and Dad’s.  And then the whole peregrine family will calm down and the chicks will sleep.

Watch my blog late today for an update with news and pictures.

(photo from the National Aviary falconcam at the University of Pittsburgh)