An important milestone in the recovery of condors on the central California coast was the first nesting attempt in 2006. The last known attempt in the region had been more than 100 years prior. Ever since the first successful fledging of a chick from a nest in 2007, the productivity of the population has been gaining momentum. Each year, more and more young condors reach the minimum breeding age of 6-8 years, and establish pair bonds that can last a lifetime. Now the central California population includes more than a dozen pairs.
Keeping up with all of these pairs each year is a welcome challenge for our small crew. With the help of radio telemetry, and even satellite GPS tracking for some birds, we are able to locate nest sites. These are often in burned out hollows in large redwood trees, or on ledges and crevices along mountain sides. We monitor all accessible nests to document hatching and the health and growth of chicks and provide veterinary care when needed and feasible. Condors in central California are now producing nearly as many wild chicks are we are releasing to the wild each year!
Keeping up with all of these pairs each year is a welcome challenge for our small crew. With the help of radio telemetry, and even satellite GPS tracking for some birds, we are able to locate nest sites. These are often in burned out hollows in large redwood trees, or on ledges and crevices along mountain sides. We monitor all accessible nests to document hatching and the health and growth of chicks and provide veterinary care when needed and feasible. Condors in central California are now producing nearly as many wild chicks are we are releasing to the wild each year!
Central California Nesting News
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Current Wild Population
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2019 Wild Chicks
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