4 May 2021

Last weekend the Pitt peregrine chicks reached a milestone. At seven days old they were able to thermoregulate (stay warm on their own) so Morela didn’t have to brood them anymore.

They also became more mobile, moving out of the scrape into the shade, then into the sun again. The chicks popped up to watch Ecco examine a corner of the box, “Hey, should we be over there?” And they pursued Morela across the gravel during the 1:45pm feeding.

Watch them move in this day-in-a-minute video.

Morela and Ecco keep a watchful eye on them, even when you don’t see the parents on camera.

“We’re stepping out!” say the chicks. They’re growing up fast.

Watch them on the National Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh.

And for a peek at what will happen next, check out this Peregrine FAQ: Peregrine Chicks Week-to-Week Development.

p.s. The nestlings huddled yesterday because it rained all day. Today’s forecast calls for thunderstorms so they’ll huddle again when the storms roll in at 11am.

(photos from the National Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh)