January 20, 2005
January Status of the Condor Chicks
Chad Olson, Raptor Biologist with the Grand Canyon National Park Science Center and manager for the Condor Nest Watch Program provides this update for 20 January 2005:
First of all, #350 is doing great. He/she moved north from the Battleship a little before X-mas and is now hanging out in the inner gorge area of the canyon. We're still able to see it on most days, but since it moved we've had a much more difficult time spotting the little bugger! Otherwise it has done some great flights, and appears great.
As for #305, well nothing much has changed. He is still spending 100% of his time in and around Salt Creek (below The Abyss on the West Rim Drive), but otherwise he appears healthy. The parents have been spending quite a bit of time with him, so everything seems fine. Still, I'm hoping he starts moving around more in the coming weeks.
The other wild AZ chick from 2004--the one fledged at Vermillion Cliffs (#342) --was recently captured because it didn't seem healthy. As it turns out, the bird had developed a blockage in the crop area consisting of sticks, rocks, and hair, and wasn't digesting food. Thus it was weak, dehydrated, and acting lethargic. The Peregrine Fund workers transported #342 down to the Phoenix Zoo where it underwent surgery to remove the blockage, but all went well and the bird is back at the Vermillion Cliffs. Currently #342 is being held in the release pen for observation and hopefully will be released soon. Both parents have relocated it, and they appear 100% ready to continue raising it. As for why it developed such a blockage, it's anyone's guess.
The free-born chick in CA is doing well in spite of the miserable weather over there recently. However, the field crew in southern CA is currently cut off from the field site. The recent storms washed out all the roads leading to the release area and it may be months before the road is passable again. So they're flying people in every couple of days with helicopters. So needless to say, the chick hasn't been watched much recently.
Finally, courtship is just starting up for the year. So hopefully we'll have a better idea of potential nesters within the next 3-4 weeks.
Special note for volunteers and potential volunteers: The Condor Forum Webpage should be back online within the next 2-3 days.I will notify Arizona Master Naturalists when it's back up.
Chad