University Times

The Cathedral of Learning’s resident peregrine falcon Dorothy reacts May 23 as game commission officers remove her chicks from their nest for banding.

Dorothy and E2 annually nest on the ledge outside the Cathedral of Learning’s 40th floor. About a month after the chicks hatch, a veterinarian examines them and Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel band them before returning them to the nest.

Below: Mat Carver, a Pennsylvania Game Commission deputy wildlife conservation officer, observes as game commission regional supervisor Doug Dunkerley prepares a baby peregrine to be returned to its nest.

Three of four eggs laid in late March hatched in late April. The peregrine falcon chicks — all male — are expected to take their first flights in early June.

Birdwatchers have set fledge watches from the Schenley Plaza tent June 4-10, weather permitting. For details, search on peregrines at www.wqed.org/birdblog/.