Condors Flying Back from Extinction, 10 new...fin

Flying Carefree Back from Extinction, What a Wonderful sight to see

Arizona Fish & Game (quote):
The bird’s remarkable battle from extinction began after being placed on the federal endangered species list in 1967. In 1982, only 22 California condors were left in the world. The birds were captured to start a captive breeding program and save the species.
The first reintroductions of captive-reared condors into the wild began in Arizona in 1996 and continues today with periodic releases at sites in California, Mexico and at the Vermilion Cliffs in northern Arizona.

The rugged sandstone at Vermilion Cliffs, or as I had gotten to Know it "the Monster" spectacular sight to see

In 2003, Arizona celebrated the fledging of a wild condor chick — the first in the state in more than 100 years. By 2018, more than 85 condors were flying
free in Arizona and Utah. Each condor is fitted with a radio transmitter and has numbered wing tags to assist biologists in monitoring the population.
Today there are approximately 500 condors in North America, with more than half of the birds flying in the wild in the Southwest and Mexico.

Utilizing thermal updrafts, condors can soar and glide up to 50 mph, traveling 100 miles or more per day in search of food

Wingspan of up to 9 1 feet, making the California condor the largest flying land bird in North America Live up to 60 years in the wild.
(quote) Arizona Fish & Game

except my photos
The birds became extinct from lead poisoning. A lot of what they ate had lead gunshot
There is an on going program to get lead out of bullets and gunshot that is working very well




The first time I saw them I was coming back from Page Arizona via Kanab Utah. A big circle. November 20, 20. That was the first time I saw Vermillion Cliff. I had never heard of either. Stopped to take a break at a rest area Navajo Bridge a famous pioneer bridge and there the were these huge birds sitting on the railings hanging out with the folks.
Now I knew where they were, the second picture is when I was going to Grand Canyon North Rim, there were only 2, kind of hiding Sept 23. Then these miracle photos on my trip to Zion in Nov 23 again on Navajo Bridge In Marble Canyon.

I don't think the photo opportunity to see them flying was more than 15 minutes, take off to gone. I wasn't even going to stop at the bridge, but thought "what the heck I'm here might as well" and probably got the photos of my life time







Now I am not a birder, I don't have the right equipment (camera, lens) I did the best I could having the unexpected happen and with what I had, an a6500 - 70-350G

Edited by Coast - 29 June 2024 at 09:09

That's a real big bird!!

Thank you, Domien
For me it was their story. Seeing the biggest, rarest birds have tragedy befall them doing so well was overwhelming. Arizona Wildlife service have been doing yeoman's job at Vermillion Cliff. Not easy being in a cage with one of them. Yikes!




Harm; I think some of the birds were taller than some of the people on the bridge. Yikes, again ha ha

Joe

Hope people read the texts, fascinating true story

Remarkable photos, and such impressive birds. Those clip on ID numbers on their wings look so intrusive but presumably they don't cause any discomfort nor interfere with any aspect of the birds' life.

waldo_posth wrote: Outstanding images, Josef - the first one is a stunner!! Love the story - good things happen (we do not learn about them enough)!!

It's a Love story 🫶🏻 One has to love the story. Being there, having the privilege of witnessing it in person was to say the least, overwhelming
Thank you Harald    
I try to have my glass half full not half empty 🍷

Take Care, All the Best___Josef




Edited by Coast - 10 July 2024 at 07:33

Thank you Paul, yes you're right about all.
An epic encounter, never to be forgotten. A victory for nature and for humanity 💜
I usually do better just freelancing and have more fun than if I'm tied down on an itinerary.

Like to give myself the freedom of doing that
You never know what's around the next corner

All the best___Joe

A nice ending Joe.
The identifications are impressive, adding a nice touch to the series.
And cleverly attached too, making them visible both in flight and perched.