Subject: [Tweeters] Grand Canyon Condors
Date: Jul 30 16:55:33 2005
From: dbagues at earthlink.net - dbagues at earthlink.net


Many, many thanks to all who sent me info about how to see the California
Condor at the Grand Canyon. It is an amazing experience to see this bird
flying within 100 feet at eye level!!!

When they're around, they are easily seen from the South Rim between the El
Tovar (if you get there early enough or luck out you can get a parking space
at Verkamps, just east of the El Tovar) and Lookout Studio about 1/4 mile
west of there a bit beyond the Bright Angel Lodge--an easy walk. There is
an excellent Ranger presentation daily at 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (at least
through Labor Day) behind the Lookout Studio, and the Condor can often be
seen at that time. The Ranger said the gathering of people attracts the
bird, which sees it as a potential source of food (not unlike a gathering of
Turkey Vultures or Coyotes). All but one of the Condors is numbered, and
the Ranger can tell you the history of any specific bird you see. Below the
lower observation areas you can also see Condors sitting on the rocks. The
Ranger said at least a few birds can be seen year round, especially those
that are actively parenting.

One interesting fact: At least one mating pair (introduced!) found its way
to a nest site used by California Condors 50,000 years ago!

The Peregrine Fund monitor also told me Lookout Studio is the best place to
see the Condor. He also said they tend to return around 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.
in the afternoon if they've left.

I was lucky enough also to see a Kit Fox, and I can report that at least one
Abert Squirrel liked the chocolate ice cream I'd waited in line half an hour
to get. I was hoping to add the Juniper Titmouse and Pinyon Jay to my life
list, but I knew that mid-day looking with temperatures in the mid-90s isn't
likely to get you anywhere, and it didn't.

If you go, Birding the Flagstaff Area by Frank and Linda Brandt (Northern
Arizona Audubon Society, 2001) has a good section on the Grand Canyon, and
in the park you can pick up the Checklist of the Wildlife of the Grand
Canyon for $2.50; it shows species status and abundance by habitat.

Again, thanks to all who sent me information. Happy Birding!

Diane Bagues
Milwaukie, Oregon
dbagues at earthlink.net