Wild Times!

Princess with her green "99" wing ID tag

Princess (#799) and the other 2015 wild fledged birds (#773, 787, & 789)  continue to thrive in Big Sur.  They are "regulars" on the condor cam and were spotted more recently exploring the Big Sur coastline.

Untagged bird (we presume #787 or #789)

Currently, untagged condors 787 and 789 are only discernible by subtle differences in feather growth patterns and their true identities won't be known until we obtain a blood sample for DNA analyses.  Obtaining DNA will require trapping them, which we hope happens in the next couple weeks...fingers crossed. Once the DNA confirms their identity we will attach a colored ID number tag and transmitter.
Do we really have to tag them? For now, yes, it's especially important that we know what happens to wild-raised condors, they represent the future of the flock. Until next time...

This photo shows the subtle differences between the two untagged birds

A New Addition!

Last week, VWS Biologists were excited to be able to confirm the existence of a second untagged juvenile! This chick is believed to be Condor #789, the offspring of Condors #199 and #438. Biologists were at the Big Sur Condor Sanctuary watching Condor #787 (a confirmed tagless juvenile, aka “Sky”) perched next to one of her moms when another untagged bird flew past! 
The next day Condor #199, who we suspect to be the new chick’s father, pushed all the other birds off of a calf carcass on the release slope and stood guard, giving his chick a chance to feed uninterrupted. 

Condor #789 was born in a redwood nest deep in the Ventana Wilderness. Because of the inaccessibility and remoteness of the nest, biologists were unable to visit it to determine if the chick hatched and fledged successfully. This chick was successfully fledged with absolutely no human intervention or assistance – completely wild! The mystery chick’s true identity will not be confirmed until biologists are able to capture it and perform a blood test to determine his or her parentage and sex.  Until then keep an eye on the condor cams, you may be able to spot her or our other untagged juvenile, Condor #787!

Happy Holidays from the flock!

As 2015 comes to an end, our crew has been busy keeping track of the newest members of the flock – seven young captive-raised birds that now call the hills and coastline of San Simeon home. These youngsters have been rapidly gaining flying skills and attention since we began releasing them in September. For more details, check out this article published last week in the Cambrian.

All of this year’s fledglings are thriving, including our mysterious untagged juvenile. 787, aka “Sky”, was spotted again last week at the release slope. This makes Sky the first of this year’s fledglings to make his or her big debut on the Big Sur social scene. Keep an eye out for Sky on the camera!

We also welcomed back several condors that had completed treatment for lead poisoning. Thanks to the skilled keepers at the Oakland and LA Zoos, they are fully recovered and have been released back into the wild. Here VWS Condor Interns Jane Sheffer and Darren Gross hold 219, aka “Puff Daddy”, as his transmitters are replaced before his release.

Interns with Condor 219

This holiday season, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and hope that you are able to celebrate condor style, by chowing down while surrounded by family and friends. .

Happy Holidays from the Condor Crew!

Condor 799 in good health, Nest cam launch

Melissa Clark with 799 

We conducted the final health exam on Condor 799.  Her blood tested low for lead, which was excellent news and we attached a new radio transmitter and Identification tag (Green 99) to her wing.  Overall, her health was stellar and she weighed in at a solid 16 pounds!

Nest cam taking in the action

We put the final touches on our live streaming condor nest cam, the first ever! Behind the scenes, the install of the cam was a monumental effort.  It involved carrying heavy loads up a steep rugged coastal canyon and climbing up a massive redwood tree.  We planned the bulk of the cam work to coincide with health exams on 799, to reduce disturbance around the nest. 

Nest cam inside redwood

Joe Burnett climbing up to install cam

Big Thanks to LA Zoo staff Mike Clark, Trey Kropp with Big Sur Wireless and Joe Piper with HDontap for their expert assistance during the install.  

Click here to see the latest action-  Condor nest cam

Southern Exposure

GPS Data for 567 and 477

A group of condors made their way south last week to visit the southern California flock. This group of birds included 663, 463, 477, 567, 231, and possibly a few others. Although brief, their trip was an encouraging sign. We hope to see a lot more southern exposure in the future.  

Redwood nestling doing well

Veterinarian Amy Wells conducts a physical exam on 799

     60 day old Condor Nestling 799 (Chick of Condors #167 and #190) passed his first nest check with flying colors! Biologists tested his blood for lead poisoning, did a physical check, and checked the nest for trash and all looked well with 799. Great job Mom and Dad!
Stay tuned...799's final nest check is schedule for the end of August.
We have 5 wild nestlings still going strong this year, let's hope they stay out of harms way and continue to succeed.