I recently had to do a business gig in Flagstaff so Clarice and I took it as an
excuse to see the Grand Canyon, a first for both of us. We had wonderful
clear skies and saw a few new birds.

Best experience was when we allowed ourselves to be taken in by the
sunset views of the canyon. We drove our rented car (politically incorrect,
polluting, and risky) to one of the few viewing spots that you can drive to just
before sundown. The first lucky experience was that we found a parking spot
before the sun actually set. We joined the crowd at Yavapai Point and oohed
and aahed at the colours.

It was clear, cool, and there was a stiff breeze coming up out of the canyon.
Perfect for hanging out just above the rim on raven wings. Just at the big
moment I snapped a picture of Clarice, and noticed as I did that she was
looking back over my head rather than out at the canyon. Looking up, there
were three ravens hanging in the wind-- nothing unusual there-- but then they
pealed off and cruised over to three more big black birds. Ravens usually
ignore turkey vultures, but they were definitely interested in these three big
buzzards which were also catching the breeze just about 50 feet above the
rim, and right above our heads. Binoculars up-- all three had bright yellow
patagial tags and radio antennae.. We were being circled by some of the
local condor kids.

The crowd of people was already just about out of there, So it was just
Clarice and me, stuck to the rim, and three ravens and three condors that
were clearly not stuck down but were taking full advantage of the breeze, the
updraft from the rim, and (of course I like to think) of the same sunset
colours.

Next day we found a knowlegeable ranger to report to and were told that one
of our condors had been reported by another birder earlier in the day and that
some of the juveniles would sometimes hang out at Grand Canyon Village
checking out the visitors, although they were usually only sighted at the
north rim. So, nothing surprising with our observation but a thrill none the
less. As an added bonus the ranger told us how to find the sludge ponds-- he
knew how to please birders.

Jerry Broadus
P.O. Box 249
Puyallup, WA. 98371