Thanks to everyone who stopped by Third Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh to check on the peregrine nest site.  Keep up the good work.  We’ve learned there are four chicks in the nest and at least two will fly this week.

Downtown Fledge Watch has begun!

Yesterday afternoon John English and Peter Bell captured photos of the first chick whining at the nest opening and exercising his wings.

This morning Doug Cunzolo and Lori Maggio saw two youngsters perched there.

Because this nest is only 12 stories high, these birds will need our help.

In the first 24 hours of flight, young peregrines lack the wing strength to take off from the ground.  If they land on the street they just stand there and may be hit by vehicles.  If you see a peregrine on the ground call the PA Game Commission (PGC) at 724-238-9523.  If you can safely do so, carefully corral and guard the bird until PGC arrives.

Rather than a formal schedule, just stop by Third Avenue whenever you can (see map). This photo by John English shows you where to look once you get there (yellow arrow). The red arrow shows an adult on a small windowsill above the nest.

On your way to Third Avenue keep this number handy: 724-238-9523.  The youngsters may land a few blocks away and you might get a very close look at a peregrine!

After the first chick flies, the process lasts about a week … so keep coming back.

Thanks to Point Park University for providing this year’s “rescue porch” on a balcony of Lawrence Hall.   Special thanks to Amanda McGuire, Maria and Caleb for the rescue porch arrangements.

 

(photos by Peter Bell and John English)