Carla flying at Cathedral of Learning with Schenley Park in the background. 21 May 2021 (photo by Jeff Cieslak)

25 May 2026

The Pitt peregrines live so close to Schenley Park that when they leave the nest the park is their backdrop. Next Sunday 31 May I’ll combine Schenley and peregrines in two back-to-back outings:

• 8:30am: Schenley Park Bird and Nature Walk. Meet at the Schenley Park Visitor Center.
• 11:00am: Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch.  Meet at the Schenley Plaza tent. (Note: This may be one day too early … we’ll see.)

Parking is FREE on Sundays.

Schenley Park Bird and Nature Walk, May 31, 8:30a – 10:30a.

Wood thrush singing, 2011 (photo by Steve Gosser)

Join me for a bird & nature walk in Schenley Park on Sunday, May 31, 8:30a – 10:30a.

We’ll meet me at the Schenley Park Visitor Center to see what’s popping in the park.  Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.

Click here for more information and in case of cancellation.

On Friday I heard four wood thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) singing in the Panther Hollow valley. They were were well hidden in the trees but I’m sure we’ll hear one on Sunday. Listening is the best part.

… and then …

As soon as the bird walk is over, I’ll adjourn to Schenley Plaza to look for peregrines.  (I will start the watch immediately when I get there. The 11:00a start time insures that peregrine fans will find me even if our bird walk runs late.)

Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch, May 31, 11:00a – noon.

Schenley Plaza tent (photo by Kate St. John)

Join me at the Schenley Plaza tent, 11:00am – noon, for a Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch. We’ll swap peregrine stories and get close-up looks at the peregrines through my scope.

Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch, 2 June 2025 (photo by John English)

Will one or more Pitt peregrine chicks be visible that day? If they’ve left the camera view, their next step is to walk on the bulwark. Here’s an example from 2025.

Peregrine chicks on the bulwark, 2 June 2025 (photo by John English)

Click here for a Google map of Schenley Plaza.  Don’t forget to check the Events page for last minute updates before you come. Fledge Watch will be canceled if it’s raining or thundering.

p.s. A complete Pitt Peregrine Fledge Watch schedule will be posted later this week.