Yesterday the Pitt peregrine chicks reached the milestone we’ve been waiting for: They started to ledge walk.
When we arrived at Schenley Plaza on Sunday morning we found both chicks on the “railing” — the wall above the nest. The railing is an excellent place to exercise their wings and eventually take off on their first flight.
Yesterday’s focus was exercise or “wing-ercise.”
The chicks like this location because they can see for miles and whine for food. Notice how their mouths are open in the photo at top. They’re shouting. We could hear them at Schenley Plaza!
Eventually their shouting paid off. One of their parents delivered a meal (parent on left holding black bird) and the two chicks raced over to eat it.
Join us at Fledge Watch, today through Wednesday (except in rain/thunder). Check the Events page for details and in case of cancellation.
Or come down to Schenley Plaza any time in the next couple of days and to see the young birds. Here’s where to look.
(photos by Peter Bell, Pitt Peregrines Facebook page)
40 stories up, 500+ feet… How do you do it? Wing walkers on display. How rapidly they grow and change! Thank you for sharing.
We love watching these beautiful birds. They make our day. We are in the process of becoming empty nesters ourselves so it is fun to watch it happening in the natural world as well! Thank you for your insights and observations.
They look very healthy and ready to explore. They have grown so quickly and are beautiful birds. May their first flights be safe as they gain experience. Thanks to all the fledge watchers who spend time downtown these next few days. Exciting but a little anxiety as these little ones learn to fly.