9 June 2021
Yesterday Lori Maggio visited Third Avenue for just half an hour and solved two mysteries with a few photos:
- Who is the banded male peregrine in Downtown Pittsburgh?
- Did Terzo (Black/Red N/29) find another territory after he left the Cathedral of Learning last February?
Loris photos reveal that the banded male is Terzo and, yes, he’s doing fine raising three chicks with Dori. She wrote:
The male was perched above the nest site ledge on the green beam … I was able to get pictures of his bands while he was scratching his chin when preening. He has black/red bands! …
I don’t have a full picture of the entire N or 29 but if you put the pictures together it is his N/29. I also included several pictures of him … to ID him. From what I remember Terzo had heart shaped cheeks and this male does, too.
— email from Lori Maggio, 8 June 2021
Yesterday Terzo and one of the juveniles were perched at the nest opening.
The photos below helped us identify the bands. Terzo is Black/Red N/29. Notice his distinctive heart-shaped cheek.
Terzo at Third Avenue, 8 June 2021 (photo by Lori Maggio)
Lori also took photos of a juvenile peregrine who hadn’t flown yet. Art McMorris remarked that this youngster is at least 40 days old and ready to fly at any time. This morning at 7am Lori saw all three chicks at the nest opening, raring to go.
Juvenile peregrine at Third Avenue nest, 8 June 2021 (photo by Lori Maggio)
And in case you’re wondering, Terzo and Dori have known each other — or about each other — for quite a while. Last year Dori stopped by the Cathedral of Learning during the revolving door of Morela, Terzo, Ecco. Here she is at the Pitt nest on 15 March 2020. A month later she laid eggs at Third Avenue and nested successfully with a new mate. I wonder who.
If you want to see a peregrine family ready to fledge, stop by Third Avenue in the days ahead. Say hello to Terzo while you’re there.
p.s. Meanwhile at Pitt yesterday at 8:30am we were still at 2 fledged + 2 chicks waiting to go. If all goes to plan I will visit both sites today.
(photos by Lori Maggio and from the National Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
I’m happy for Terzo who always seemed like a decent guy stuck in a tough relationship. Glad he and Dori have found each other. Also, the unraveling of these small mysteries is an example of how citizen science can contribute to our understanding of the world. (And I think this story supports ongoing banding projects when feasible).
This is such wonderful news to read about Terzo. Thanks to you for posting and Lori for her pictures!
Oh my gosh!! Thank you, Lori and Kate, for this wonderful news and for the photos. So happy that Terzo and Dori “found” each other and are raising a family.
Oh I’m so happy to read this, I love Terzo and Dori is a wonderful mom – couldn’t ask for a better mate for him!
Thanks so much for the wonderful news about Terzo! Thanks to you and Lori for all your efforts covering the peregrine nests. How awesome that Terzo and Dori got together after losing their respective mates, and they had a successful nest. I hope all the peregrine falcons in the Pittsburgh area continue to live and thrive and produce lots of beautiful chicks. Thanks very much for all you do!
Well that good news made my day! Thank you and Lori for the updates. Love following the Pittsburgh Peregrine Saga.
This is such happy news! The best possible outcome for all four adult peregrines.
What wonderful news!
Happy, happy, happy!!! Great news, Kate!!
So happy to hear that Terzo is still around. I love Terzo. Happy that he and Dori had a successful nesting season.
Dear Kate, I am glad that Terzo was seen and that he is doing fine and has a new mate. I have been praying every night that he would be found and ok. I always liked him.He was a good mate to Hope. I am glad that he is with Dori. Now I can rest easy knowing that he is fine. Take care and you made my day to be a happier day.
Thank you Lori for your detective work and you, Kate, for bringing us the great news. Made my day! (I wonder how Hope is doing. I have a bit of a soft spot for her in spite of it all.)
How does the condemnation of Gulf Tower affect the Falcon nest box and cameras?
It does not affect them at all. They haven’t nested at Gulf Tower for 5 years.
Love a happy ending !
such wonderful news. poor guy had a dreadful time with hope. Dori is a good mother and Terzo makes a good mate for her and a good dad to the chicks. great detective work, perfect outcome! thank you all for solving the mystery!
Glad to see that Terzo finally made up his mind between Dori and Morela. I have a feeling that he was encouraged to do so by both Dori and Ecco!