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This pioneering condor was our first captive-bred released bird of the 2011 winter season. He was introduced to the wild by our unforgettable field crew leader, Mike Tyner. Less than a day after this bird's release, a terrible wind storm swept up suddenly on the coast ridge, taking Mike's life in a tragic accident. Mike's Bird (566) carries on his wings the memories of Mike Tyner's diverse and deeply felt contributions to the California Condor recovery effort. Learn more about Mike Tyner.
Mike's Bird (566) hangs out around redwood groves near the ocean when he is in Big Sur. He has also been known to make visits to Sea Lion Cove to get his share of the carcasses that wash up on the coastline there. When the new VWS release site was up and running in San Simeon in 2015, Mike's Bird (566) immediately claimed the territory with his mate, Lupine (597). The pair attempted to nest in the San Simeon area for two years but were unsuccessful. Lupine (597) passed away after their second failed nesting attempt. Mike's Bird (566) is still the dominant male in San Simeon and has since repaired with San Simeon release male, Big Gulp (711) and female Condor (725). The trio raised their first chick, Condor (1004), who unfortunately died in the Dolan Fire in 2020. Mike's Bird (566) was later determined to be the biological father of Condor (1004).
Despite losing both their mate and chick, Mike’s Bird (566) and Big Gulp (711) remained dedicated mates to one another. They were often seen displaying to one another and defending their territory in San Simeon from other adult condors. Although they couldn’t produce a chick on their own, both birds acted as excellent mentors to other captive-bred condors upon their release into the wild in San Simeon. Mike’s Bird (566) and Big Gulp (711) taught these “rookies” important behaviors like how to catch thermals while flying, tear into a carcass, and show respect to the more dominant birds in the flock.
Sadly, Big Gulp (711) was found dead in February of 2023. His cause of death is still pending. In his mate’s absence, Mike’s Bird (566) has continued to maintain their territory in San Simeon and spends time with the most recent cohort of released condors, teaching them all about life in the wild. Mike's Bird (566) is also still making appearances on our explore.org San Simeon Sanctuary cam.
Mike's Bird (566) hangs out around redwood groves near the ocean when he is in Big Sur. He has also been known to make visits to Sea Lion Cove to get his share of the carcasses that wash up on the coastline there. When the new VWS release site was up and running in San Simeon in 2015, Mike's Bird (566) immediately claimed the territory with his mate, Lupine (597). The pair attempted to nest in the San Simeon area for two years but were unsuccessful. Lupine (597) passed away after their second failed nesting attempt. Mike's Bird (566) is still the dominant male in San Simeon and has since repaired with San Simeon release male, Big Gulp (711) and female Condor (725). The trio raised their first chick, Condor (1004), who unfortunately died in the Dolan Fire in 2020. Mike's Bird (566) was later determined to be the biological father of Condor (1004).
Despite losing both their mate and chick, Mike’s Bird (566) and Big Gulp (711) remained dedicated mates to one another. They were often seen displaying to one another and defending their territory in San Simeon from other adult condors. Although they couldn’t produce a chick on their own, both birds acted as excellent mentors to other captive-bred condors upon their release into the wild in San Simeon. Mike’s Bird (566) and Big Gulp (711) taught these “rookies” important behaviors like how to catch thermals while flying, tear into a carcass, and show respect to the more dominant birds in the flock.
Sadly, Big Gulp (711) was found dead in February of 2023. His cause of death is still pending. In his mate’s absence, Mike’s Bird (566) has continued to maintain their territory in San Simeon and spends time with the most recent cohort of released condors, teaching them all about life in the wild. Mike's Bird (566) is also still making appearances on our explore.org San Simeon Sanctuary cam.
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