Peregrine falcon nesting on the Graff Bridge near Kittanning and elsewhere subject of free discussion

While the handsome and formerly federally endangered peregrine falcon is known for nesting on Pittsburgh skyscrapers, the Cathedral of Learning and the Tarentum Bridge, a pair has been quietly nesting above the Allegheny River spanning Manor and North Buffalo townships.

Kate St. John of Pittsburgh, the region’s expert on the currently state-threatened raptor, will give a free Zoom presentation on the peregrine falcon at 6 p.m., Thursday, for the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek in Bethel.

St. John is the lead volunteer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission who monitors peregrine nesting sites in the region. She also writes the blog, “Outside My Window,” about the region’s peregrines and local nature.

Her presentation, “Peregrine Falcon, an Environmental Success Story,” will explore their breeding strategy, the history of their crash and recovery, notable breeding sites and peregrine dynasties in Western Pennsylvania.

Click here to register and access the program.

Peregrines have been nesting at the Graff Bridge as early as 2016, St. John said. The bridge is one of only 64 peregrine falcon nest sites in the state, according to Art McMorris, peregrine falcon coordinator for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

There are 10 known peregrine nest sites in Southwestern Pennsylvania , which includes two buildings and eight bridges.

St. John has visited the Graff Bridge before to check in on the falcons.

“They’re the fastest bird on earth and extremely charismatic,” she said.

It’s easiest to see them on the Kittanning side of bridge and in early June when the birds are raising young that beg and call for their food, St. John advised.

“Environmental news is often depressing, but the peregrine story is not. It’s an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, we make a difference,’” she said.

St. John is looking for some area residents to monitor the Graff Bridge falcons. For more details, contact St. John on her blog.

The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek is a nonprofit organization providing educational opportunities to the residents of Armstrong County and the surrounding region.