Pitt Peregrine “Red” at Tamarack Wildlife Center, summer 2026 (photo courtesy Tamarack Wildlife Center)

18 September 2026

Unfortunately I have some bad news to share. Red (Black/Green 09/Z), the juvenile male from this year’s Pitt peregrine nest, passed away at Cornell’s Swanson Wildlife Hospital in late August after extensive treatment for respiratory ailments that developed after his June collision and recovery at Humane Animal Rescue Pittsburgh and with Tamarack.

Red near the snapshot camera at the Cathedral of Learning nest on 6 June 2026

It all began when Red flew head first into something really hard on (or before) the morning of 9 June 2026. He was found bleeding and stunned on the ground near Carnegie Museum and admitted to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Wildlife Center (HARP) in Verona.

By July he needed to gain strength and balance and learn to hunt so he was transported to Tamarack Wildlife Center where they specialize in raptor rehab.

Red at Tamarack Wildlife Center, summer 2026 (photo courtesy Tamarack Wildlife Center)

Unfortunately Red never became medically stable and he needed advanced diagnostics and treatment so Tamarack transferred him to Cornell’s Swanson Wildlife Hospital.

Press release from Tamarack Wildlife Center, 18 September 2026

Wild Juvenile Peregrine Falcon “Red” Passes

Wildlife rehabilitation is important, allowing for birds and other wildlife to recover from injury and illness, and if necessary, a place to learn skills needed to thrive once back in the wild. This work isn’t possible without constant coordination and collaboration amongst a network of animal care organizations, from licensed wildlife centers and veterinary hospitals, to zoos; those who study or help train birds, and those who support the work to do so.

Unfortunately, despite collaborative efforts a wild animal’s injuries and resulting health conditions may be too great to overcome. Such is the case with “Red,” the juvenile Peregrine Falcon.

The 2026 National Aviary Peregrine FalconCam livestream showed four chicks hatch and fledge under the care of wild pair Carla and Ecco atop the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. The only known male from the clutch, dubbed “Red” for the colored tape on his Pennsylvania Game Commission-issued band, was found injured in Oakland shortly after leaving the nest. He was quickly admitted to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (HARP) for treatment.

As his recovery was very slowly making gains, HARP transferred him to Tamarack Wildlife Center for further rehabilitative care as Tamarack specializes in the treatment of birds of prey. There, his dedicated care team worked to understand and resolve several medical issues Red was still facing. They also worked to line up a licensed falconer specializing in Peregrines who could give him the life skills needed to eventually be released into the wild (such as hunting and flight practice).

However, Red never became medically stable enough. With increasing concern about his medical issues Tamarack obtained special state permissions to transfer him to Cornell University’s Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital for advanced diagnostics and treatment. Supported by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, this wildlife hospital provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for wildlife above and beyond what HARP or Tamarack can offer. 

Red will live on in the hearts of many, especially from the following organizations and individuals:
Kate St. John
University of Pittsburgh
National Aviary
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s Wildlife Center
Tamarack Wildlife Center
Cornell University’s Swanson Wildlife Hospital

Carol Holmgren,M.A., CPBT-KA 
she/hers
Executive Director, Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Tamarack Wildlife Center
21601 Stull Rd.
Saegertown, PA 16433
814-763-2574
www.tamarackwildlife.org

Red at Tamarack Wildlife Center, summer 2026 (photo courtesy Tamarack Wildlife Center)