Condor Cam

Now that our young condor has fledged into the wilds of Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, we'll be shutting down the stream. Thanks to the USFWS, @SantaBarbaraZoo and everyone that helped give us a glimpse of this marvelous family. Till next year!

18:45, 10/18 Looks like Junior is settled in for the night.

15:33, 10/18 Condors spread their wings to allow the sunlight to reach as many of their feathers as possible. This lets them stay warm and keeps their feathers healthy.

14:53, 10/18 Junior returns to the ledge: first as a shadow and then makes a lovely landing.

12:33, 10/18 Junior (the Condor fledgling) departs.

12:26, 10/18 The young Condor hops down the cliff and then visits the nest cavity where it grew up.

12:13, 10/18 The female just landed near the nest site and another condor can be seen flying nearby.

11:34, 10/17 Watch as we follow the Condor chick sail across the canyon where Dad joins in what looks like a feeding session on the far side of the cliff.

11:57, 10/17 The Condor chick gracefully departs after being fed.

11:34-5, 10/17 The Condor chick has fledged but is still in the neighborhood. The chick flies back to the nest area and then dad arrives to feed the fledgling.

16:09, 10/15 The female Condor (#216) spreads her wings.

One of the challenges of the condor nest site in is what might be happening just out of sight. It's hard to say whether the chick flew a distance or landed just out of view, but this was definitely the most flight-like movement we have yet seen on cam. youtu.be/r6x1MPnVx1o

16:17, 10/14 The Condor chick is looking very grown up.

13:42, 10/14 Let the sunshine in!

13:15, 10/14 After Mom drops down the other side of the cliff, chick does some very nice wingercizing .... getting those wings ready for flight!

13:14, 10/14 You can see Mom departing (or dropping to the other side) as chick spreads its wings in the rain

13:05, 10/14 Chick seems to be interested in Mom's wing tag

13:01, 10/14 Mom (female #216) arrives and heads to the cave for a feeding session with the chick

Be sure to read the full description of the "wing-out" display in the YouTube video just posted....it's fascinating!

The Condor pair put on a show for us! After arriving to the nest area together, they moved out toward the rocky edge, whereupon the male stretched out his wings and began performing a courtship display called the "wing-out" display for the female. youtu.be/9DCR-Wsbn-k