Six captive breed California condors where first released from the Vermilion Cliffs of northern Arizona in 1996. Within a year only three remained. One was found dead of a puncture wound from a Golden Eagle, one flew into power lines near Page, Arizona and the other simply disappeared. Now 74 condors have been released in Arizona plus there have been 13 wild born of which only 9 remain. This is truly a success story considering there were only 22 California condors left in the wild in 1982 when the capture and captive breeding began.
We don’t see many condors on the North Rim. They are attracted to crowds so are seen more frequently on the South Rim, where 90% of the 5 million visitors a year go. But Wednesday a couple of visitors told me they’d seen a pair perched on a rock ledge below Angels Window. I didn’t see them there but when I walked past the window to the end of the trail at Cape Royal a shadow caught my eye causing me to look up and there one flew. I immediately pointed up into the sky and announced “condor overhead” and every visitors eyes turned skyward with cameras clicking. My shots aren’t the best. But then I had to answer a lot of condor questions.
To see more of what’s up in the sky go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.Published 9/1/11 after this post by the Peregrine Fund who participates in the condor recovery program. Although condors are increasing in the wild they still die from lead poisoning. Check out the Summer 2011 update by clicking now.
Terrific captures, Gaelyn, and I'm so glad to know the condors are being saved with this program. Lovely to see them in the sky! Hope you have a great weekend!
Sylvia
How exciting for you and the visitors! 🙂
Oh! Oh! OH! Jealous! Healous! Jealous! LOL!!!!
Gaelyn, I'd love to be on your guided tour. You're so knowledgable. What a success story for those condors. Have a great weekend. (((Hugs))) Jo
Hey Gaelyn, very cool! As Dennis & I were driving home on Tues morning (the day before your condor siting), I spotted a condor cruising along about 2 miles east of House Rock Road! I almost gave Dennis a heart attack when I started screaming "CONDOR! STOP THE TRUCK NOW!!!" It was low enough to get a good look with binoculars, but too high to see the wing tag number or take a photo… wonder if it happened to be the same one you saw? A very good sign for me!
Oh how I wish I had been with you, I would love to see them. Jealous – Diane
How exciting!! Wish I had been there to see the Condor show!! 🙂
How totally cool! I'd love to see one.
So glad they're making a comeback, and you were lucky to get a shot.
nice shots
happy SWF
nice shots
happy SWF
What magnificent birds! So glad they're making a comeback …
Enjoy your weekend!
I think your shots are great!
I'm sure it was a great thrill for the park guests. I will always remember seeing them at Pinnacles.
Magnificent birds and photos as well.
That is a one of a kind shot! It must have been so impressive to see it live!!!!!
Great reaction shot none the less Gaelyn!
Happy to hear they are on the increase again and what a majestic bird to have around.
So glad the numbers are increasing. We were lucky enough to see four while in California a few years back. Enormous birds! Cool you were able to share with everyone!
How exciting, Gaelyn! And, your photos are great!
How very impressive, – wonderfully captured and how encouraging to have the condor increasing in numbers.
Nice photos.
Regards!
lovely photos..:)
My SkyWatch Friday
Exciting! Glad to know the condors are being saved 🙂
You were doing your job and I'll bet everyone of those people watching with you were thrilled.
How fortuitous you were able to capture the condor. You did a marvellous job and I'm sure it was a huge thrill for you too!
beautiful wings!
While these are great pictures, the rest of your blog is stupendous! Such beautiful photos. I would love to visit these beautiful places before I die.
Lovely captures!
How exciting, GL. Wish I could see them also. MB
Fantastic! It's great when a real good news story gets told!
Lets hope this means there are some moving into your neighbourhood.
Those photos really capture the miracle of their come-back. Oh, and lots of hard work of dedicated people. Great shots.