#664 "Poppy"
Sex: Female
Hatch Location and Date: Big Sur, 5/8/2012
Release Date: Wild Reared
Local Biological Siblings: None
Breeding Status: Unpaired
Offspring: None
Deceased: 12/31/2014, Lead Poisoning
#664 had a rather unusual upbringing in that she had three parents. Her biological parents (Condor #251 and Condor #306) were only determined after testing her DNA since the parents were assisted by #251's other mate, Condor #222. The two ladies never showed jealousy over the attentions of #251 and the trio provided #664 with excellent care - sometimes it takes a village! They cooperatively raised 664 in a massive coastal redwood tree. When condor fledglings are hungry, they engage in "wing-begging" behavior: flapping their short wings in front of a parent in order to get fed. The parenting trio dynamic was confirmed when #664 wing-begged to #222 and she fed him. While we have documented trios before, they are less common than traditional male/female pairings.
#664 spent most of her time exploring her natal territory. She could often be seen flying the Big Sur coast with #251 and #222. She was a vibrant and well-kept young condor, hence her nickname, Poppy, like the vibrant California Poppy wildflowers that blanket the coast in the springtime.
#664 spent most of her time exploring her natal territory. She could often be seen flying the Big Sur coast with #251 and #222. She was a vibrant and well-kept young condor, hence her nickname, Poppy, like the vibrant California Poppy wildflowers that blanket the coast in the springtime.
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