28 March 2023
After Morela returned from battling a challenger for four days, we wondered why she wasn’t spending much time at the nest. Before the challenge she stayed at the nest all day and looked as if she was about to lay an egg, but since her return on Saturday 25 March she hasn’t spent much time at the nest.
The reason is probably that Morela’s hormones tamped down so she wouldn’t need to lay an egg during the battle. She has to get back in the mood. Ecco is working on it.
Yesterday, 27 March, Morela and Ecco held three bowing sessions, each one longer than the last. At the second session Ecco warmed up for 20 minutes and made elaborate bows and pauses. All of his moves are part of his courtship “dance.”
Watch two of their bowing sessions in the video below. Alas, the microphone misbehaved so there is no sound.
Stay tuned to the National Aviary Falconcam at the Cathedral of Learning and watch them court.
Let’s see what happens next.
(photos and video from the National Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Thanks for the update Kate. Hopefully they can get back on track.
Ecco has been bowing at the nest with no response this morning, that I saw (a fairly long session around 10:00, I think). And a little after noon he seemed to be watching something above from the perch and was wailing a little. Seems like there must still be some drama.
I believe Morela is perched on the bulwark above the camera. … At least that’s where she was all day yesterday.
Has it been Ecco or Morela spending the night on the nest? I haven’t been able to see them before dark.
It’s Morela at night.
Are there any updates regarding Morela and Ecco. I became a follower after my daughter spotted peregrine falcons on Pitt campus.
Dianne, Ecco and Morela are still courting. I saw them in courtship flight around the Cathedral of Learning today, 3 April, at noon.
I just read your post on courtship flight. Fascinating. Is there a chance Morela will produce another clutch? Thank you Kate.
Yes, there is a good chance she will lay eggs.