6 August 2023
Every yr the Nationwide Aviary falconcam on the Cathedral of Finding out runs from February via July to hide the peregrine breeding season. Streaming ended on 31 July however simply the day earlier than, on 30 July, Ecco and Carla bowed for a very long time on the nest and Carla every so often ate some gravel. (*additional information on gravel beneath)
All the bowing consultation lasted 8 mins however they paused so much so I speeded up the video to double-time. At 3 mins in, it seems like Carla has left however she’s simply off digital camera. As she comes shut once more Ecco resumes e-chupping and bowing. In any case Carla flies away and Ecco stands up instantly to observe her depart.
Although the bowing looks as if courtship they gained’t be beginning a circle of relatives anytime quickly. Ecco and Carla reside on the Cathedral of Finding out throughout the year and bow to toughen their pair bond, even in July.
The pair is normally much less energetic in the summertime however they’ll perk up when fall migration starts in earnest as they watch birds flying south over Oakland.
You’ll be able to nonetheless see them on the nest — in the event that they’re there — by means of the snapshot digital camera.
(*) Carla swallows bits of gravel to lend a hand her digestion. Right here’s why:
(photograph and video from the Nationwide Aviary falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh)