University Times

Two of five peregrine eggs at the Cathedral of Learning nest have hatched, but only one chick has survived.

The first egg hatched April 25. A second chick that hatched shortly after appeared abnormal and died last weekend.

Peregrines have nested at the Cathedral since 2002. In previous years, three-five chicks have hatched from the Pitt nest.

Local bird blogger Kate St. John (www.wqed.org/birdblog/) attributes the low hatch rate and handicapped chick to the mother peregrine’s age. Dorothy is 14.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, peregrines that survive to adulthood may live 12 -15 years.

To view the peregrines, click on “Pittsburgh FalconCam” at www.aviary.org/. A live stream from the nest remains fogged due to condensation inside the camera, but still pictures that refresh every 15 seconds provide a clear view of the nest.