Arizona Master Naturalist News Web Log ("Blog")

Condor Update as of 22 March 05---1st Nest of the Year!

Here is the status of condor breeding activity current as of this date, provided by Chad Olson of the Grand Canyon Science Center to volunteers of the Condor Nest Watch Program:

"Well, several things going on.

First, we may have our first nest of the year. Condors 136 (F) and 187 (M), a new pair, appear to be incubating at a nestsite along the east front of the Kaibab Plateau. The nest is south of the Vermillion Cliffs but north of the canyon. Incubation has not yet been confirmed, but it sounds promising.

As for other potential pairs, we have three:
--- Things are looking good for 123 and 127 (Salt Creek pair) breeding this year. About a month ago they began harassing 305 (their chick from 2003/4 season) and chasing him from the nest area. This coincided with courthship behavior and copulations. About two weeks ago, 305 left the South Rim and flew with a group of other birds back to the release site, where he fed. 305 has since returned to the South Rim but the parents are no longer tolerating him in the area. It seems we can finally say 305 is independent.
--- Next, condors 133 (F) and 158 (M) are likely to breed this year, but still haven't produced anything. If they do, it will likely be on the western side of the Kaibab Plateau.
--- Thirdly, condors 114 (M) and 126 (F) (Vermillion Cliffs pair) are acting as though they may breed. Recall that 114 successfuly bred with 149 last year. 114 is still caring for the chick (#342), but 149 has 100% stopped caring for it. This was apparently caused by the chick disappearing during the time it required surgery in Phoenix--this disappearence mimicked a chick mortality, and the female apparently switched behavioral gears. Although 114 continues to care for the chick, he also seems extremely interested in breeding again, which is definitely possible considering the proximity to the release site."