If your office is high in the Cathedral of Learning you may have seen a peregrine outside your window.
Since early autumn the new female peregrine, Morela, has made herself at home at Pitt, choosing her favorite vantage points even if they have windows nearby.
Above, she perches in the wind outside Dr. Alan Juffs’ window on Halloween.
Below, she dines on pigeon in early November on the south face of the building, photo by Anonymous.
Morela’s acceptance of human faces in the windows reminds me of her predecessor, Dorothy, who didn’t mind seeing people indoors. I’m sure that quite a few people became peregrine falcon fans when they saw Dorothy outside the window.
Here’s a montage of Dorothy near the windows from 2009 to 2011.
Peregrine falcon, Dorothy, at the Cathedral of Learning, Feb 2011 (photo by Patricia Szczepanski) 
Dorothy, March 2009 (photo by Patricia Szczepanski) 
Dorothy at dusk at the Cathedral of Learning, June 2010 (photo by Steve Valasek)
Like Dorothy, Morela is not afraid to be seen.
(photos by Dr. Alan Juffs and Anonymous)
Let us hope that Morela shares other traits that Dorothy had, like being a wonderful mother and raising many, many healthy little ones. I’m really excited to see what the new season, with Morela and Terzo, has in store for us.
I heard a peregrine echup yesterday around 5 pm as I was walking by the cathedral of learning, and saw one flying around. Courtship continues, it seems. That’s good!
Years ago (late 90’s), when I worked on the 53rd floor of the USX Tower, we had a peregrine falcon that used to perch and sleep on one of the ledges. It would often look inside and watch us. I used to love looking at the bird just a few feet from my face. So pretty!
Darn! I missed all the action. I couldn’t watch Hope anymore and missed the change in female peregrines. But, I am so happy to hear there is a new female at the cathedral. Looking forward to a happier nesting season. Do you think Hope met her demise?
Kitty, no one knows what happened to Hope. Perhaps someone will see her somewhere else. Until then, it’s a mystery.
I really, really like her. I’m looking forward to many good years at the COL with her in residence!
My office is on the 34th floor of the COL and I have had a peregrine perching outside of my window for the last several weeks on & off. I assume it may be Morela. She has peeked around the corner to watch me a few times. My window faces towards Squirrel Hill. She talks a lot too! LOL.
Kristin, that certainly sounds like Morela. Her mate Terzo never perches near windows. You are so lucky!
Morela is a beautiful bird and it sounds like she has all the special traits that we loved about Dorothy. Hoping for a wonderful nesting season for these birds. One of the best locations to raise little peregrines. Excited to see what transpires.