California Condor - Spread My Wings

[Donkees]

Douglas Croft

California condors are clawing their way back from the brink of extinction with the help of captive breeding programs and constant monitoring. They are still highly endangered so it is a real treat to see one up close like this. The coast of Big Sur is one of the home ranges where they have been reintroduced. This condor, "Amigo" is often seen soaring along the cliffs.

[central scrutinizer]

1. We encountered one in the Grand Canyon about 20 years ago

She unfortunately had been fed chicken on the rim by some stupid tourist. She was not afraid of us and actually was a nuisance, trying to get into our camp and forage. We tasked the kids, age 10, to chase her off by making noise and tossing pebbles at her. When we got back to civilization, we reported her (they have number tags affixed to a wing) to the Park Service. They told us about her encounter with Colonel Sanders and said others had reported her. We heard later she was recaptured and returned to the breeding program. We did get some great pictures as she perched on a rock with her wings spread wide to dry (it had been raining).

[AndyS]

2. A face only a mother could love and just barely

Last edited Sat Dec 31, 2022, 03:55 PM - Edit history (1)

at that but once airborne one of the most graceful amd majestic birds imaginable.