June 29, 2005
Condor Update as of 28 June 2005
We had three Condor nests started this year in Arizona's Canyon Country, a new record.
The nest on the eastern flank of the Kaibab Plateau failed in late spring. The egg was recovered for an "ovopsy". For whatever reason, the chick did not peck its way into the airsac portion of the egg, which is a necessary step in development as the respiratory requirements of the chick increase.
The nests on the Vermillion Cliffs and in Salt Creek Canyon below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon both appear to be progressing normally. The chick at the Vermillion Cliffs was observed directly for the first time just a few days ago.
Grand Canyon Science Center Biologist Chad Olson has relocated to Wyoming, and a new avian or raptor biologist has not been identified. If you are interested in volunteering for the Condor Nest Watch Program, contact Kari Malen, Volunteer Programs Coordinator for The Grand Canyon Trust AND the Grand Canyon Foundation. Her e-mail is gcvolunteers@yahoo.com . Condor nest watching involves overnight hiking this year...no driving to a comfy overlook for an easy afternoon.