Carla and Ecco bow at the Pitt peregrine nest, 5 Jan 2026 (photo from the National Aviary snapshot camera at Univ of Pittsburgh)

6 January 2026

The peregrine falcons at the Cathedral of Learning, Ecco and Carla, have begun to think about the upcoming nesting season. Yesterday they spent time courting. Carla’s first egg is less than 10 weeks away.

This winter I’ve often seen Ecco preening on the green perch in front of the nest but Carla rarely visits. Now that the winter solstice has passed and the days are slightly longer (+ 8 minutes, 28 seconds today) greater light levels will trigger hormone production. I know it helped my mood that the sun came out yesterday. Maybe it helped them, too.

Watch as Ecco preens and stretches yesterday morning. Then at 12:41pm the pair began a five minute bowing session.

Check the live snapshots to see if peregrines are at the nest. Still shots from both falconcams are at FALCONCAM – CL snapshots.

Stay tuned for the National Aviary‘s Live Stream that will start next month.