“No, that’s not a conder” I reply to a visitor, “that’s a Raven.”
“No, that’s not a condor, that’s a turkey vulture with black leading edge on the underwings and silvery secondary feathers.”
“Oh Yes, now That’s a condor. Note the white leading edge on the wings.”
As I finished the archeology talk at Walhalla overlook Saturday visitors spotted two California condors soaring overhead.
I ran for my camera and tried to zoom in on them 100s of feet above.
Even visitors with binoculars couldn’t read their numbers.
This is the first time this season I’ve seen condors in the park. What a glorious sight. Just another day for a Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park.
Oh how lucky you are, what wonderful sightings. I am jealous:) Diane
A glorious sight indeed. Lucky you and lucky visitors who were able to learn about them from you. MB
owoooooo–howling at the moon. When I was a kid I made up a club and I happened to be the only member and I was supposed to howl at the moon every night at midnight. I probably never woke up but I remember the club. owooooo!! MB
LOL!! well what can I say, they sure did not look like Condor's to me either in that first pic but I was not gonna say nuttin' LOL!!
It must be wonderful to spot them flying again Gaelyn. I suspect they have a wonderful breeding place like under that bridge and each year you will see more of them.
I did get a big chuckle out of your first photo!! But how fantastic to be able to see the condors flying! Terrific captures! Surely is a beautiful world you have there!! Have a great week!
Sylvia
Is that the same as the South American condor – I remember one attacking Tintin in the dvd box collection we have. Is there are difference – I was under the impression that the condor was virtually extinct.
Must be quite exciting to see such large birds in the skies.
Hi Gaelyn, Mary and I were lucky enough to see the condors gliding at twilight when we were visiting the Canyon a couple springs ago. I tried to video them but didn't do so great. Your pics would be good for Sky Watch, too!
Wow, I've never seen a condor in the wild. You know your birds – but that's why you're a ranger, while I sit in front of a computer screen all day for my job!
I'm glad you were finally able to say yes, those are condors. Too funny that you have so many misidentifications of them. Thank goodness you looked and didn't just give your stock answer!
It must be quite a sight seeing those massive birds soaring overhead.
Excellent sighting! We saw Condor for the first time while in northern California..
what an awesome sight!
Wow, great photographs. You are the super ranger!
Simple, evocative photos. Have you ever been able to see one 'close up'?
Bird watching is the BOMB!
Very cool to see them soaring and be able to identify them. I'd be one of those tourists asking the tiresome questions…
Oh what fun it would be to meet you!! Our vacation is August 12-20. We are staying with friends in St. George, Utah. We haven't made all our plans, but we are definitely considering visiting the North Rim.
Thanks for the lesson in bird identification!
I'm so jealous! I need to come and see these!
Gaelyn: Mistaking a Raven for a Condor is like confusing a sparrow with a hawk.
Really great to see them; even if it is just through your photos. Thrilling sight.
That is a glorious sight….