The Best Part of Peregrine Season

Before young peregrines fly they walk on the cliff ledges and exercise their wings.  Their parents encourage them by flying nearby.

Since the chick C1 walked off camera at the Cathedral of Learning yesterday, all the action has moved to the air above Schenley Plaza where Peter Bell (@PittPeregrines) recorded this video last evening.  We see the entire peregrine family at once — swooping, diving, and “wingercising” (wing + exercising).

This is why I love fledge watch.  It’s the best part of peregrine season!

I’ll be at Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch at Schenley Plaza today, June 11, 9:00 to 11:00am followed by John English (Pittsburgh Falconuts) noon to 3:00pm, weather permitting.  We’ll also be there Sunday and Monday.  Visit the Events page for the schedule.

Come on down!

 

(video by Peter Bell @PittPeregrines)

14 thoughts on “The Best Part of Peregrine Season

  1. What a great video. I literally felt proud ahahaha how goofy is that ? Just so happy C1 is doing so well. Yay for The PItt Falcon Family ?

  2. 11:30 am 6/11 C1 made it back to the nest, laying in whatever shade there is, panting. Good mom Hope, attentive, trying to produce more shade, panting. Hot, muggy, 89*. I am assuming C1 is ok. Feel like we should offer refreshments……….

  3. What a fantastic video. Nature is truly wonderful. Parents showing her how it’s done, and making it look like so much fun. She will be trying her wings very soon I’m sure. Thanks to Peter and Kate for sharing with us.

  4. In the 2009 blog post saying how to spot the peregrines, you say that no other birds fly so high, basically because of the danger of attack from the peregrines, if I understood you correctly. Does that include eagles? What is the interaction between eagles and peregrines? Is one wary of the other or are they perhaps both wary of each other? Or do they pretty much just ignore each other? Thanks.

  5. Hi Kate, This morning we just noticed C1 on the parapet below our office windows on the Fifth Ave side, (we’re on the 18th floor, looking down) stretching her wings and yelling up a storm!!! Occasionally the parents will fly by. Love it!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *