This morning two peregrine chicks, ages 23 and 24 days old, were banded at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. Lead Bander Dan Brauning, PA Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Chief, was assisted by PGC Biologist Tammy Colt.
This is the third year that Hope and Terzo have nested at the Cathedral of Learning so they knew something was up this morning and were especially vigilant.
When Dan and Tammy came out on the ledge, Terzo zoomed just above them and Hope jumped into the nest and started to shout. She was so loud that she distorted the audio on the falconcam and could be heard 20 floors below! See the video below.
After Dan removed one chick, Hope guarded the second one so closely that he had to nudge her gently aside with a broom. She bit the broom!
Indoors, the chicks were given health checkups (both healthy!) and — based on their weight — were given female bands. They were returned to the nest in less than half an hour.
Hope yelled again as the chicks were returned to the nest. See video below.
The reunited family was soon back to normal.
And the youngsters made the news:
- Post-Gazette: Two peregrine falcon chicks nesting at the Cathedral of Learning get a checkup
- KDKA video: Getting Their Birdie Bling: Cathedral Of Learning Peregrine Falcon Chicks Get Banded
- Trib-Live: Peregrine falcons defend chicks when biologists visit at the Cathedral of Learning
I will add more news reports as I hear of them. If you know of a report I’ve missed, please leave a comment with a link.
(photos by Peter Bell and John English (see captions). Video from the National Aviary falconcam at Univ. of Pittsburgh)
What gender are the chicks?
Sorry didn’t read article well enough. Read they are both female.
Wonderful news, great photos! Hope is such a fierce defender, was not letting humans take her babies without a fight. Amazing. Thanks for the update.
From the Tribune-Review:
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13641229-74/peregrine-falcons-defend-chicks-when-biologists-visit-at-the-cathedral-of-learning
That chick in the grey towel looks like she just got out of the pool and her mum snuggled her in a dry towel. She looks comfy.
What are the gender of the 4 “rescued” chicks from downtown?
I don’t know yet
Kate, do you happen to know how DORI and Louie are doing?
I’m looking into it today and will write about them tomorrow (Monday 5/14)
Yeah, what a lovely Mother’s Day present for poor Dori. How are she and Louie holding up? How are their chicks doing?
Wasn’t last year’s chick female also? Could be interesting to see if Hope is only allowing the females to survive.
Ann Nameth, last year’s chicks were male and female so, no, Hope doesn’t kill the males.
Thank you for this fantastic post. I had the honor to be at a banding once while I was a student at Pitt and it was one of the most memorable events of my life. It is so special to be able to read about the nest and its inhabitants.
Wow! Loved that video. Hope is a bada$$. I loved how she got in front of the chick to defend it and didn’t give up!