Endangered Falcon Chicks At Cathedral Of Learning Get Check-Up

A group of endangered birds, that happen to live above the University of Pittsburgh's campus, got a check-up on Thursday.

Thursday morning, four Peregrine falcon chicks were banded and given an exam before being placed back in their nest on the 40th floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

Peregrine falcons were placed on the endangered species list in 1974. National Aviary officials and wildlife officers said the bands will help them track the spread of the birds across the East Coast.

"The program in general is helping to propagate the species and we keep track," said Steve Sarro of the National Aviary.

So far, 38 Peregrine falcons, including those released on Thursday, have been hatched at the Cathedral of Learning.