27 September 2020
Snapshots from the Pitt peregrine falconcam show that Ecco has been spending lots of time with Morela at the Cathedral of Learning since Friday 18 September. His extended presence is unusual and may indicate a change of male peregrine leadership.
This summer both Terzo (Morela’s original mate, now age 7) and Ecco (her young suitor, now age 2) have been present but usually seen on camera only three times a month. Since 18 September Ecco has been on camera almost every day for extended periods of time, bowing with Morela for 15 minutes to half an hour.
There was a hint that Ecco was gaining ascendance when he and Morela bowed for 15 minutes on 4 September.
Neither male made an appearance until 10 September, the last day Terzo was seen on camera. Terzo spent most of that day sunning (see photo below), probably guarding his territory.
After the 10th no male peregrines were on camera until 18 September when Ecco and Morela visited the nest a couple of times beginning at dawn …
… and again at 10:30am.
They reappeared on 21 September …
… and for several long visits on Friday 25 September.
Yesterday, 26 September the pair again visited frequently for prolonged periods. Here Ecco twists his head to look at Morela, a move that’s usually reserved for close contact.
Ecco seemed more confident yesterday, so comfortable that he perched at the nest for about half an hour.
Perhaps Ecco and Terzo have finally determined who rules at the Cathedral of Learning and Ecco is the winner.
We can’t be sure yet. We’ll have to wait and see if there’s another turnover.
Meanwhile we know Morela rules. 😉
p.s. The next day Terzo was back.
(snapshots from the National Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Will we have Gulf Tower this year?
The Gulf Tower nest is slated to be back online but there’s no guarantee that they will nest there.
Oh my, isn’t this interesting. Whichever male ends up dominating, I just hope that the loser isn’t hurt and wanders away.
Thanks for watching the stills. Who knew there was so much happening at the Tower!
Good to hear an update on the birds that started it all.
This was a great update, Kate. Like you said…we shall see what happens come February! Do you know if there are any plans to remove the old eggs? They don’t seem to be bothered by them.
Normally the eggs would be removed in December during annual camera & nestbox cleanup but due to COVID-19 precautions the Cathedral of Learning is closed to the public. Since only staff & students can enter the building I don’t know if the annual cleanup will occur this year.
p.s. When I scan the snapshots I see that there are flies at the eggs. They must stink by now.