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

Fuego stealth no more!

Fuego displays his vibrant head-neck colors

VWS Biologists attach new transmitters

The VWS Condor team successfully trapped Fuego (#470) this past week and replaced his non-functioning radio transmitters. As part of a collaborative effort with the Pinnacles Condor Team, Fuego and other condors are being rounded up right now for routine transmitter replacements and blood lead checks.  Fortunately, Fuego and others tested low in blood lead and were released back to the wild. But that wasn't the case for all, seven condors were sent to captivity to be treated for lead poisoning. Thanks to the support of our partners at LA and Oakland Zoos, the lead-sick condors are given first class care and treatment by dedicated veterinarians and keeper staff.  All seven condors appear to be recovering well and we anticipate their return to the wild in the coming weeks.

Fuego is cleared for take off!

Fuego flies free once again

Shadow (#209) takes flight after testing low in lead

Photos courtesy of www.webnectar.com

Miracle released!

     After a whole month of chelation treatment for lead poisoning at Oakland Zoo, Condor 538 "Miracle", was finally released towards the end of June. After being trapped and tested with a lead score of 170 ug/dL (birds are treated if they have over 35 ug/dL), she was admitted to the Oakland Zoo for chelation treatment.  Because her lead score was so high, it took a long time for it to drop low enough for her to be released back to the wild.
     Thank you Oakland Zoo for all the incredible work you did for helping Miracle get healthy again!!