University of Pittsburgh Peregrines
Spring 2002 Observations by Kate St. John

Full details on that recent placement of a peregrine falcon nest box on the cathedral of learning in Oakland, and an account of the initial reaction of Pittsburgh's second pair of peregrines to it, will soon appear in the "Nature Observer News.

Observers: Kate St. John and Karen Lang

February 16, 2002:

A Peregrine nest box was placed on the Cathedral of Learning (CL) at University of Pittsburgh. The nest box is not visible from inside the building but can be seen through a scope positioned across the bridge near the Christopher Columbus statue at Phipps Conservatory. From this vantage point, view the right "keyhole" of the top "railing".

February 16 to March 3, 2002:

The male & female Peregrine tried out the nest box within days of it's placement. The female now spends lots of time near or in it. Both birds are still visible almost every day so we know the female isn't incubating eggs yet.

March 3 to 17, 2002:

No observations made on March 10, 16, 17.

The male & female Peregrine were seen together every observation day except March 14. They were seen together the next day March 15.

Male & Female were observed mating on March 11, 12, 13. One or both Peregrines perched at nest site on March 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13.

March 18 to 24, 2002:

Observations were made every day.

Male & Female were seen together every observation day except 3/23 (seen together the next day, 3/24), so we know the female is not incubating eggs yet.

Male & Female were seen mating on 3/18, 3/20, 3/24.

One or both Peregrines perched at nest site every day.

Friday 3/22: The Male engaged in a 2-hour territory battle on 30SE with another male. At one point two female peregrines observed the fight. See March 22, 2002 posting on PABirds for the complete account.

Sunday 3/24: Based on their behaviour in the few days of after the battle, I am certain that the same pair still hold the CL territory.