26 May 2024
Though the Pitt peregrine chicks are turning brown, they still have tufts of down and white pantaloons on their legs. It’s hard to believe that by the end of the week they will ledge walk off the nest and out of camera view. One of them will make his first flight next weekend. The second will follow shortly thereafter.
Yesterday the youngsters spent a lot of time exercising their wings — “Wingercize” — flapping frequently in this snapshot video. The larger chick, female Blue, used the gravel like a runway. It won’t be long before they fly.
After the chicks walk out of camera view the best place to see them is from Schenley Plaza. I plan to stop by once a day to check on their progress.
Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch, Schenley Plaza, selected times May 30 to June 3, 2024.
Meet me at the tent at the dates and times below.
Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch is a drop-in event to see the Cathedral of Learning peregrine family and watch young birds learn to fly. I’ll have my scope on hand for a zoomed in view of the youngsters exercising their wings.
Where: Schenley Plaza near the tent, pictured above.
When: Fledge Watch is weather dependent and will be canceled for rain or thunder. Check the Events page before you come in case of weather cancellation.
NOTE: If no one shows up I might stay only 30 minutes, so come at the beginning not the end.
- 30 May, 4:30pm to 5:30pm (Thursday)
- 31 May, 11:30am to 12:30pm (Friday)
- 1 June, 4:30pm to 5:30pm (Saturday) I’m not available on this date. John English will be there.
- 2 June, 4:30pm to 5:30pm (Sunday) John English and I will both be there.
- 3 June, 11:30am to 12:30pm (Monday)
4 June (Tuesday)CANCELED BECAUSE THEY FLEW!
If we’re lucky, here’s what we’ll see:
In 2009 Stephen Tirone filmed the chicks standing on the nest railing and flapping like crazy. Their parents encouraged them by flying back and forth overhead. Then one of the chicks made its first flight — straight out — at the 0:56 second spot.
See you at the tent later this week.