Comments on: What’s Next?

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:39:08 +0000

I’ve noticed that the peregrines at Pitt never land on the ground to retrieve dropped prey. At Pitt they don’t even go as low as the 4th floor roof. I wouldn’t be surprised if the ones at Gulf Tower did the same thing.

By: gloria

gloria — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:05:53 +0000

On my way to the parking garage this evening after work, I noticed that one of the parents (from GT) dropped dinner in the middle of the sidwalk on Oliver Street right across from the Mellon Park. I guess with all the foot traffic in that area they wouldn’t bother to swoop down and pick it up? Or is there another reason that they would drop their prey? Just an oops?

By: Traci

Traci — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:24:21 +0000

I just got back from downtown after a vigile at the Gulf. I attracted many people wondering what the woman in the sweatpants doing with binoculars and a combursome old Pentax camera and lens was looking at. I asked a policeman to help me locate the 37th floor. We found the nest box and he had to leave.

I perched myself atop a retaining wall outside of the Hotel, next to the old train station. I saw either Tasha or Louie fly around the steel building – twice. I saw one of the fledges perched up on the ledge outside of the box and then NOTHING.

I sat and sat and stared and stared until my eyeballs ached. The fledgling seemed to disapeer and so did the parents. But it was still exciting and to be that close was amazing in and of itself.

I hope I see more at the Cathedral! I’m going to try for the lunch period on Wednesday. I may try the Gulf again tomorrow. I was pretty close to the Gulf – but doubt even my long lens will let me see much at the Cathedral, in terms of getting a good photograph. But I’m hoping my cheap binoculars will do the trick!!

Hope to meet some of you!!

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:42:15 +0000

It means more practice. It takes them a couple days to take off. If they live in a gusty/windy place this time is dangerous but Pittsburgh hardly has any wind at all. No need to worry.

By: gloria

gloria — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:23:52 +0000

When the kids start walking the nestrail does that mean they are ready to “take off” or just more daring practice?
Both kids are off camera at the GT site. This is so exciting. Can’t wait for them to “spread their wings and fly”….How amazing is this!

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:02:41 +0000

Update, Mon June 1: One of the three nestlings walked up the pillar to the “nestrail” (the nestrail is the runway that is out of the camera view). I could see him/her with my binoculars as I walked through CMU this morning.

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:19:49 +0000

>do they return to the nest for sleep?
Sometimes they do for a few days just after they fledge – but that soon ends. As soon as they are confident about flying they sleep perched on the building as their parents do.

>Do the parents continue to hunt for them awhile??
Yes! Since peregrines hunt on the wing they must be good at flying before they can learn to hunt. After they’ve flown for a few days their parents begin to teach them to hunt by flying in with food and then making them do a mid-air food exchange. It is very cool! More on that later.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 31 May 2009 01:17:53 +0000

I check the webcam as much as I can while I’m working. Yesterday I thought I saw one of the parents drop off food and leave it for the chicks. I wondered if they were learning to eat on their own. Thanks for the update!

By: faith Cornell

faith Cornell — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:08:45 +0000

Once they fledge do they return to the nest for sleep. Do the parents continue to hunt for them awhile?? Thanks for all the information you have provided. I tell so many people about this site & how such a great teacher you are. It is wonder at 72 to be learning so much I absolutely had no knowledge of. I have always known about these nests but never thought of just how much was behind it.
My grosbeak had knocked himself out unconscious on our patio door & I took my towel out , wrapped him up, checked for broken wings & toes & laid him down, talked to him, took a picture him & its on my cell phone. He flew away. Now when he comes for feed & I see him I can talk to him thru door & he does not go away. How’s that for gratitude. I feel blessed when he still comes & does not seemed scared by me but maybe that is not good but he does fly away when the pesky doves & blue jays come in.
Thank you again. Faith c.