Condor Viewing
In recent years, many Grand Canyon visitors have spotted North America's largest land bird. Members of the vulture family, California condors cruise well over 100 miles a day, at speeds approaching 50 mph. When mature, condors are grayish-black except on their heads, which are orange and featherless. Under each wing, a triangular white patch -- a characteristic field mark -- will be visible.
In December 1996, six of these birds, whose wings can span 9 1/2 feet, were released on the Vermilion Cliffs along Highway 89A, 26 miles from Lees Ferry. Since then, 76 more have been set free in Northern Arizona. The releases were part of a larger project aimed at reintroducing the birds to the wild after they nearly went extinct in the 1980s. Of the 124 California condors in the wild, 55 now live in the Grand Canyon's South Rim area.
Because condors have a poor olfactory sense, they sometimes follow turkey vultures and other raptors to carrion. Other than size, the easiest way to tell the two species apart is the way they soar. Vultures hold their wings in a "V"; condors keep theirs in a plane.
Unless the condors change their habits, they will probably continue to make appearances above the South Rim in the years to come. In the summer of 2003, biologists confirmed that at least three pairs of California condors nesting in Arizona laid eggs. Two nests were unsuccessful, but one pair produced a young condor. It was the first time in hundreds of years that a condor had hatched and survived in Arizona. Unfortunately, the young condor died two years later; the cause of death was most likely malnutrition. Two additional condors hatched and fledged in autumn 2004; in 2005, three active nests were confirmed in the Grand Canyon area.
North of the canyon, you might spot a condor by driving 14 miles east of Jacob Lake on Highway 89A to House Rock Valley Road (the first road to your left after you leave the national forest). Turn left (north) and go 2 miles to a small ramada; scientists leave food for the youngest birds on cliffs above it. If condors are in the area, you'll probably meet workers who are tracking them. They carry a spotting scope and binoculars and will help you see the birds.
Wherever you spot them, do not approach, feed, or otherwise disturb the condors. If you see one who appears to be hurt or sick, notify the Peregrine Fund Condor Project (tel. 928/355-2270; www.peregrinefund.org). Be prepared to identify the time and location of the sighting and, if possible, the bird's wing-tag number.
