Peregrine falcon, “Luna,” can’t believe there’s a bug on her foot, 20 Aug 2025, Rocky River, Ohio (photo by Chris Saladin)

22 August 2025

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen a plague of spotted lanternflies in Allegheny County this year. At this time in August 2023 they were everywhere, but not now. At least, not yet.

Spotted lanternflies in the City of Pittsburgh, 21 August 2023 (photo by Kate St. John)

The plague has moved northwest. Spotted lanternflies are overwhelming near Cleveland right now, so much so that they even climbed up a peregrine’s foot while she was minding her own business in Rocky River. (picture at top; yellow circle around the bug)

Chris Saladin captured photos of the bugs crowding “Luna” as she perched on a lightpost. When she opened her wings to fly there was one on her wing! Ewwww.

Peregrine with spotted lanternfly on her wingtip, 20 Aug 2025, Rocky River, Ohio (photo by Chris Saladin)

Luna went airborne and so did the bugs.

Bird and bugs fly at the same time, 20 Aug 2025, Rocky River, Ohio (photo by Chris Saladin)

Probably the First Ever photos of the simultaneous flight of a peregrine and spotted lanternflies.

Peregrine escapes the lanternflies, 20 Aug 2025, Rocky River, Ohio (photo by Chris Saladin)

Fortunately, after a spotted lanternfly plague their population tapers considerably the next year. There’s hope for summer 2026 in Rocky River.