Comments on: Sad, sad news

By: Patty C.

Patty C. — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:04:25 +0000

Hello, everyone. I have been away from Kate’s blog for a few weeks and am so sad to read of Sky’s accident. I couldn’t begin to add to the beautiful testimonies everyone has written here about our young friend. I love that he is now at rest in sight of his birthplace. Perhaps his little spirit will be watching over all the fledglings to come. I know he’ll be in my thoughts whenever I pass the CoL. Thank you Kate for your gift of this blog and thank you, posters, for sharing your touching thoughts. –Patty C.

By: Barbara C

Barbara C — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:24:36 +0000

Dear Kate ~~ I am just crushed for you, and my heart is broken over the death of one of God’s creatures ~~ this most precious, beautiful, fledgling. I am still crying. I share in the sadness of all of your other loyal readers. I just wanted you to know how much I have loved watching the Peregrin Falcon cam / nest at the Cathedral of Learning. That I have shared with others in watching this remarkable Peregrin family grow, has been the most amazing experience. Thank you for your bird blog. I have read and loved each & every one of your bird blogs ~~ thank you ever so much ! May this fledgling rest in peace. I hope his siblings will be safe, and that they continue to grow up healthy and be successful in the world.

By: Kate StJ

Kate StJ — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:48:01 +0000

I consulted with my friends at the National Aviary about window decals and learned from Dr. Todd Katzner that decals won’t work unless they cover the window. Some really helpful information on altering windows to protect birds can be found at http://www.bcnbirds.org/window_files/WindowCollisionFactSheet.pdf

By: Deb Gibson

Deb Gibson — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:10:17 +0000

Oh, Kate ~ I can’t even begin to explain the deep gnawing grief I feel. . . although I’m sure that if anyone understands, it’s you. I’ve been in contact with both Todd Katzner and Steve Latta, sharing with them my love of the raptors, specifically the peregrines, and let them know I’ve admired them for years and years on my own. But it was just this year that I discovered and religiously followed the goings on by way of the falcon-cams. I’ve read your blog from the beginning of the year and have had so much delight in your stories. My heart is just broken due to Sky’s untimely accident and passing. I don’t think my heart could feel heavier if he were my family. I guess in some ways, he is. God bless and keep this little life. . . and be ever watchful over his family. Thank you for all you do, and thank you for letting me share. It has helped to be able to read so much follow-up to the original announcement on the news.

By: Kate StJ

Kate StJ — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Libby asked about an earlier incident with a Pitt fledgling. In 2005 Pitt Security found “Crash”on the street the day after he fledged. They thought he’d been hit by a car. He had a broken collar bone (not really called a collar bone but it was in that location). He healed at a rehab location for 3 months, then went into training with a falconer to strengthen his wings, relearn to fly & learn to hunt. During a training session, 8 months after his accident, he flew away on his own.

By: Amy F

Amy F — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:59:59 +0000

This still brings tears to my eyes. I hope that the management of the Rand Building is willing to work with us to prevent any more tragic incidents like Sky’s.

Glad to hear that the rest of the “family” is fine and feisty.

By: Libby Strizzi

Libby Strizzi — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:54:08 +0000

Kate — didn’t you write a year or so ago about a Pittsburgh peregrine fledgling that flew too low or fell into traffic and narrowly escaped death? I recall something like that.

By: Juanita Woods

Juanita Woods — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:18:56 +0000

Oh, Kate, I grieve for the loss of this precious fledgling. Thank you for being there and always ready to help. Sky is a perfect name for this one. You and all of Pittsburgh have my heartfelt sympathy. Fly free, sweet Spirit.

By: Kate StJ

Kate StJ — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:38:10 +0000

Thursday morning (June 26) I saw 1 adult peregrine and the remaining 2 juveniles at the Cathedral of Learning. The kids were playing tag, pretending food exchange and shouting a lot. They looked happy - and a little reckless but my attitude is undoubtedly colored by Sky’s death. I am glad they are practicing these maneuvers and improving their flying.

By: J

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:22:18 +0000

A tragic loss. I remember in an earlier blog entry you mentioned in a response to a question regarding why falcons choose to live in cities and stated that the reasons include plentiful food (pigeons) and that their natural predator (great horned owl) doesn’t reside in cities (except for that pesky statue on the Cathedral of Learning). But alas, windows on tall buildings are a major hazard. Hopefully his siblings grow up to have successful nests elsewhere.

R.I.P. Sky