Comments on: Home to Stay?

By: Steve V

Steve V — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:55:05 +0000

Estelle Harris, who played George Costanza’s mom on Seinfeld, went to Tarentum HS, in case anyone is looking for names from the area.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/participant.jsp?spid=81679&apid=0

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:01:59 +0000

Neither peregrine is named yet. Sometimes the observers name them because it’s too hard to talk about a pair of peregrines without any names.

By: J

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:32:40 +0000

That’s really cool. I am reminded of your blog entry from 2/3/2008 when you declared a Pittsburgh dynasty after misidentifying Bo as having been born at the Gulf Tower (oddly enough in the same clutch that bore E2). Now we really do have a Pittsburgh Peregrine Dynasty with 4 generations of males nesting in the area (Erie – Louie – E2 – E2′s son). Does the female have a name and will E2′s son be given a name now that he has apparently found a home and a mate?

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:38:27 +0000

Don’t worry about a nest box yet. They might not need one at all. The peregrines at McKees Rocks and Monaca bridges have nested successfully for many years without nest boxes. Amazingly there are places inside the bridge structures that can sustain a peregrine nest.

Here’s what to expect regarding a nest box based on my many years of peregrine experience in Pittsburgh:
First, we wait and see what happens during this breeding season. Maybe these two aren’t a pair, maybe they won’t stay at the bridge. To know if they’ve chosen this site dedicated observers – like you – will need watch the peregrines from February through June to see if they nest successfully. If they do, no nest box is needed. If they stay but the nest fails the PA Game Commission will determine if they need a nest box or if the failure is due to some other reason.

These birds are young and have time to figure things out. Peregrines often have a nest failure in their first attempt. Sometimes they wait to breed until they are three years old.

Keep watching! I will post tips on watching nesting peregrines on my Peregrine FAQs page when I get a chance.

By: Steve V

Steve V — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:16:58 +0000

How do we go about getting a nesting box installed? My supervisor is the pack leader for a local Scout group, I’m sure they would be willing to do the work on putting it together.
I still plan on heading up there this weekend to see if I can spot anything. I’ll try and get some extra pairs of eyes to come with me.

By: Steve Gosser

Steve Gosser — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:45:06 +0000

As Marge mentioned, I did see a pair at the Tarentum bridge this past January. They stayed there through February but then by March they seemed to have left. I wonder if this is the same pair? It would be so cool if they decide to stay there this year and nest!

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:23:08 +0000

See my “p.s.” above. The female has been identified!

By: Marge V.

Marge V. — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:55:04 +0000

This is soooo neat!! Thanks for posting this, Kate. Do you recall Steve Gosser stating he saw a peregrine under this bridge last year? It would really be special if they are both Pittsburgh birds, and the male is your Pitt peregrine. I have parked in that parking lot also under the bridge and watched for one as I shop in Lower Burrell often. I’m going to have to check it out again soon, too!!

By: CHW

CHW — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:26:44 +0000

How great this is! I live in NK and cross the Tarentum bridge frequently, so I will keep my eyes open. The other day, after catching some of the sales at the Pittsburgh Mills, I noticed all the pigeons and had a similiar thought as Steve V, while crossing this bridge..should make a great nesting place..let’s keep our fingers crossed..at least this bridge was painted not long ago and does not seem to be on the rehab or repair list..great news for the PFas.

Happy New Year to all!!

By: Steve V

Steve V — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:10:45 +0000

Wow, this is amazing! I’m from Tarentum orginally and still have family there. On Christmas Eve I was driving across the bridge and remarked that this area needs some falcons because of how many pigeons there are in the area and the fact that the Tarentum bridge is nice and high. Wow, us bird-brains must really think alike. I’m going up there this weekend to see if I can spot them with my nephew. Awesome Kate, thanks for this news!

Best wishes in the coming new year!