Falcon fledglings roost on Cathedral of Learning
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Four peregrine falcon fledglings [circled in yellow] perched near the top of the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. Photo: Courtesy of Kate St. John
Look up in Oakland and you might see some rare falcon chicks.
The intrigue: A family of peregrine falcons is nesting at the top of the Cathedral of Learning, and it's not too difficult to spot them.
Zoom in: Local birder Kate St. John sometimes sets up telescopes in Schenley Plaza to peek at the birds of prey.
- You can also bring your own binoculars. Just look around the keyhole carvings at the top of the tower facing the plaza.
- The National Aviary also has a live cam of their nest.
Flashback: Peregrine falcons aren't a common bird in the Pittsburgh area, but they were removed from the state's threatened species list in 2021.
Fun fact: They are the fastest animal in the world, and can dive at speeds of over 200 mph.
