11 March 2024

Two weeks in the past I issued the Southwestern PA Peregrine Problem — Search for Peregrines within the Subsequent 6 Weeks. The problem received’t finish in early/mid April however will probably be so much tougher to seek out peregrines once they change into secretive at their nests. We now have 4 weeks earlier than that occurs. In the meantime we’ve preliminary outcomes. (See information after the map.)

The map under exhibits peregrine web site observations prior to now two weeks. The map has a …

• Yellow checkmark = a pair was seen,
• Yellow line = solo fowl (We have to test once more)
• Yellow circle = NO ONE LOOKED HERE.

Discover the yellow circles. Ohio Valley birders, the problem is on!

Don’t cease trying the place you see a checkmark. There’s a spreadsheet on the finish with web site names and particulars.

In the meantime, GOOD JOB!

Downtown Pittsburgh: (picture at high) Yesterday, 10 March 2024, I ended by the Third Avenue nest web site in Downtown Pittsburgh and located a peregrine at dwelling.

Cathedral of Studying, Univ of Pittsburgh: Carla’s new habits is an efficient signal. Final weekend she initiated courtship on the nest and Ecco introduced her breakfast on digital camera. Watch the Pitt peregrines on-line on the Nationwide Aviary Falconcam on the College of Pittsburgh.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh: Many birders have confirmed the peregrine pair in East Liberty together with movies from Adam Knoerzer at Pittsburgh Falconuts Fb group and this ebird picture by Malcolm Kurtz. I visited on 4 March and located each birds on the steeple. The place and when will they nest?

62nd Avenue / Highland Park / Aspinwall Bridges (Allegheny County): No images however on 8 March Justin Kolakowski reported at Six Mile Island, “Watched as a female and male pair chased off a Bald Eagle that was flying upriver, after which perched on the water tower.” (Six Mile Island is between the 62nd and Highland Park Bridges.)

Tarentum Bridge (Allegheny-Westmoreland County line): Dave Brooke, Meredith Cellitti, Dick Nugent and I’ve all visited the location prior to now two weeks. On 7 March I confirmed incubation with the picture under. Hatch is anticipated in mid-April.

Rt 422 Graff Bridge over the Allegheny River, Kittanning: Hooray for Dave Brooke! He discovered a peregrine right here on 25 February.

Westinghouse Bridge: Hooray for Dana Nesiti who discovered each peregrines at dwelling on 3 March.

Speers/Belle Vernon Bridge: Kudos once more to Dana Nesiti for locating a peregrine on the Speers/Belle Vernon bridge on 25 February. This web site had not been seen since Could 2023.

4 Weeks To Go!

There’s nonetheless time to search for peregrines earlier than they get sneaky in early/mid April. Go to a number of of those websites and let me know what you see. Go away a remark with sightings or questions.

(picture credit are within the captions)