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Narcissa (889) was the queen bird of her release cohort, and her nickname reflects her high status. Often sitting atop the tallest (and highly coveted) perch in the release pen, she rarely let any of the others usurp her. Narcissa (889) kept a cool head when the others were agitated and benefited from this behavior in the form of food acquisition and choice perches.
Just like the famous Slytherin from the Harry Potter series for whom she was nicknamed, Narcissa (889) does not back down from a challenge and can often be seen picking fights with condors much older than her, including other dominant females. She takes great pride in her status within the flock, and watches other condors with a calculating gaze, waiting for any signs of weakness.
In 2021, Narcissa (889) almost lost her place in the flock when she was observed with an aluminum can stuck on her lower mandible. Due to the can’s size and position, it was impossible for Narcissa (889) to eat. She was unable to get the can off on her own, even when other condors tried to help her out by tugging on it. Luckily, Narcissa (889) returned to Pinnacles National Park, and biologists were able to trap her and cut the can off her bill. After spending a few days in captivity to eat and recuperate, Narcissa (889) was released back into the wild and bears no long-term damage from this incident. We’re so glad her predicament didn’t end in tragedy, but it serves as a great reminder to all of us to keep our private and public lands free of trash!
Even before she reached breeding age, Narcissa (889) had her eye on dominant male, Condor (602), and whenever the two were together, drama was sure to ensue. Now it appears Cedric (888) has joined their ranks, making them a formidable trio. We don’t envy the foe that tries to cross these three!
Just like the famous Slytherin from the Harry Potter series for whom she was nicknamed, Narcissa (889) does not back down from a challenge and can often be seen picking fights with condors much older than her, including other dominant females. She takes great pride in her status within the flock, and watches other condors with a calculating gaze, waiting for any signs of weakness.
In 2021, Narcissa (889) almost lost her place in the flock when she was observed with an aluminum can stuck on her lower mandible. Due to the can’s size and position, it was impossible for Narcissa (889) to eat. She was unable to get the can off on her own, even when other condors tried to help her out by tugging on it. Luckily, Narcissa (889) returned to Pinnacles National Park, and biologists were able to trap her and cut the can off her bill. After spending a few days in captivity to eat and recuperate, Narcissa (889) was released back into the wild and bears no long-term damage from this incident. We’re so glad her predicament didn’t end in tragedy, but it serves as a great reminder to all of us to keep our private and public lands free of trash!
Even before she reached breeding age, Narcissa (889) had her eye on dominant male, Condor (602), and whenever the two were together, drama was sure to ensue. Now it appears Cedric (888) has joined their ranks, making them a formidable trio. We don’t envy the foe that tries to cross these three!
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