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Most condors that are released into the wild after living in captivity stick close to the release pen and eat the carcasses provided by our field crew for a while after release. Not so for Phoebe The Forager (569). She set a record by being observed feeding on a sea lion carcass at McWay Beach just two days after her release into the wild. She has continued to travel consistently, often flying between the Big Sur coast and Pinnacles National Park.
In 2017, Phoebe (569) nested in a cave at Pinnacles National Park with male Condor 589, and fledged chick, Belle (878). Phoebe (569) was quite popular that breeding season, and it was later discovered that the biological father of Belle (878) was actually Condor (606), not Condor (589)! Phoebe (569)’s wild ways, wicked foraging skills, and successful nesting ensure her very bright future with the central California flock.
Most recently, Phoebe (569) and Condor (589) have hatched chicks 5 consecutive years in a row! Condor (1078) hatched in 2021, Condor (1145) in 2022, Condor (1215) in 2023, Condor (1301) in 2024, and Condor (1358) is getting ready to fledge in October 2025. Although condor pairs typically nest every other year, Phoebe (569) and Condor (589) have proven to be an extraordinary exception. This experienced pair has successfully nested year after year, raising multiple chicks in succession—a rare and impressive feat among California condors. Their consistent success not only highlights their strong bond and excellent parenting skills but also makes a significant contribution to the ongoing recovery of their species.
While Phoebe (569) is a dominant female, she is also very gentle and doesn’t stir-up too much trouble when interacting with other condors at feeding sites. She is very affectionate with her offspring and she and her mate keep a careful eye on them. Phoebe (569) spends much of her time in Pinnacles National Park and can be seen by visitors hiking in the park.
In 2017, Phoebe (569) nested in a cave at Pinnacles National Park with male Condor 589, and fledged chick, Belle (878). Phoebe (569) was quite popular that breeding season, and it was later discovered that the biological father of Belle (878) was actually Condor (606), not Condor (589)! Phoebe (569)’s wild ways, wicked foraging skills, and successful nesting ensure her very bright future with the central California flock.
Most recently, Phoebe (569) and Condor (589) have hatched chicks 5 consecutive years in a row! Condor (1078) hatched in 2021, Condor (1145) in 2022, Condor (1215) in 2023, Condor (1301) in 2024, and Condor (1358) is getting ready to fledge in October 2025. Although condor pairs typically nest every other year, Phoebe (569) and Condor (589) have proven to be an extraordinary exception. This experienced pair has successfully nested year after year, raising multiple chicks in succession—a rare and impressive feat among California condors. Their consistent success not only highlights their strong bond and excellent parenting skills but also makes a significant contribution to the ongoing recovery of their species.
While Phoebe (569) is a dominant female, she is also very gentle and doesn’t stir-up too much trouble when interacting with other condors at feeding sites. She is very affectionate with her offspring and she and her mate keep a careful eye on them. Phoebe (569) spends much of her time in Pinnacles National Park and can be seen by visitors hiking in the park.
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