30 January 2022

Peregrine falcons Morela and Ecco have been staying close to home at the University of Pittsburgh and courting occasionally at their nest. On 1 February the National Aviary’s Live Stream will start at the Cathedral of Learning. In just 6+ weeks Morela will lay her first egg.

To get in the mood for the 2022 nesting season here’s a slideshow of last year’s successful nest, a recap of highlights, and the Top 3 videos from the 2021 National Aviary falconcams.

Pitt Peregrine Highlights, 2021

• As the year began Terzo was the resident male and Morela the resident female at the Cathedral of Learning. There was no sign of the second male, Ecco, who challenged Terzo throughout 2020.
• At the end of January Terzo became alert and wary. Ecco was back.
• February 1-5 Ecco and Terzo alternated at the nest until the afternoon of 5 Feb when Ecco permanently chased Terzo away and fully claimed the Cathedral of Learning and Morela as his mate. (Terzo ultimately nested Downtown.)
• Courtship intensified. Ecco brought food to entice Morela. Morela laid four eggs:
  • 1st egg on St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2021
  • 2nd egg, 19 March
  • 3rd egg, 22 March. Incubation began.
  • 4th egg, 24 March
• Hatch Day, 25 April: 3 of 4 eggs hatched on 25 April, the fourth on 27 April.
• The chicks grew up into fully feathered juveniles through the end of May. See Top 3 Videos below.
• On 1 June three began ledge walking.
• The first flew on 4 June, the last on 11 June.
• By mid-July the young started to disperse.
• Ecco and Morela remain at Pitt year-round.

2 May 2021, Day in a Minute: The chicks are one week old.

23 May 2021, Day in 90 Seconds: Four weeks old, the chicks are speckled brown and as large as their parents. Messy nest!

30 May 2021, Day in 90 Seconds: Five weeks old, the chicks are fully feathered and very demanding. Nearly ready to fly.

(slideshow photos by The National Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh, Charity Kheshgi, Dr. Alan Juffs and Kate St. John)