Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning

[Dumpsterkitty]

I was rummaging through some bookmarks (can you tell I've got falcon withdrawal?) and came across a picture of the Cathedral of Learning where Beauty was hatched.



A bit fancier and higher, but not terribly dissimilar to Times Square

[Argoyle]

Is this on the University of Pittsburgh campus?  I think I visited that building a few years ago.

[Dumpsterkitty]

Yes it is.  I have no idea where the nest is.

[Donna]

here it is in 2008 lit up for the Festival of Lights.

Background
Peregrines were first noticed downtown in winter 1989 - 1990. To provide a breeding site for these birds, nest boxes were installed
at the Gulf Tower in 1991 by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). One was put on the south side of the building, the
other on the north side. The birds bred in a nest box the first year they were put up. Over time both nest boxes were used, although
it appeared that the peregrines initially preferred the north box facing the Allegheny River. Because the north box was used
more frequently, the south box was removed when it started to deteriorate.

There's 42 stories the falcons utilize the 40th floor North side

For those who didn't see this, here's some of "Beauty's" baby pics on Imprints

http://rfalconcam.com/imprinting/?p=725

[MAK]

What beautiful colors!  Thanks for that Donna.

[sno_leopard]

Hello! I am an avid watcher of the Pittsburgh falcons and just wanted to clarify some information about the nesting sites. While the information posted is correct, it actually refers to the nest at the Gulf Tower. Information about the nest at the Cathedral of Learning (pictured), as well as other sites around Pittsburgh, can be found in this document compiled by Kate St. John: http://www.aviary.org/cons/FalconCam/PeregrineFalcon_History.pdf

[Joyce]

Welcome sno_leopard!  That's my favorite wildcat.  Thank you for posting Kate St. John's information on the Pittsburgh area falcons.  Wonderful compilation, and very helpful.

Joyce

[sno_leopard]

Thanks for the welcome, Joyce! I have been enjoying the Rochester cameras, especially since Beauty is a "Pitt grad". Kate has a wealth of information on her blog; this link shows where the nest is located at the Cathedral of Learning: http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/peregrine-faqs/question-where-should-i-be-looking-to-see-the-peregrines-at-pitt/