Pinnacles National Monument is putting off an Oct. 15 scheduled
release of three California condors by two weeks so its biologists
can work with the birds to ensure they don’t roost on power
lines.
Hollister – Pinnacles National Monument is putting off an Oct. 15 scheduled release of three California condors by two weeks so its biologists can work with the birds to ensure they don’t roost on power lines.
Park officials decided to delay the second release of the endangered birds because two members of the first batch of released condors have been perched on power poles in recent days. And biologists think the younger condors, once released, will mimic their elders.
Potential electrocution on power lines has been a major concern for experts involved in the species’ recovery effort.
The park plans modify two existing “mock” power poles within a holding pen where the young birds reside. Biologists will also capture the two errant free-flying condors to place them in areas with power poles so they can administer controlled, mild shocks as a way to discourage the behavior.
“We want to make sure they know power poles aren’t an OK thing to use,” said park ranger Tom Leatherman.
The release of three 16- to 18-month-old condors Oct. 28, followed by the release of three more two weeks later, is part of the park’s involvement with a national recovery effort. Pinnacles released five other condors in December and plans to continue the program until the park reaches a sustained population of 30 birds. Condors have been endangered since 1967.
Leatherman said prior release sites, such as Big Sur in Monterey County, haven’t experienced similar problems with condors roosting on power poles.
“I guess the feeling is – the power poles around here are different enough that these birds, at least these couple birds, have decided to do this,” Leatherman said.
The public will be invited to the Oct. 28 release as well. Residents can take a one-mile hike to the Grassy Canyon area of the park to view the release. Park officials encourage people to arrive at 9am for the 11am release and to bring food and water.
Pinnacles is known as a historic breeding ground for the California condor. Other recovery efforts are happening in California, Arizona and Baja, Mexico.
For more information about the release call 389-4485.
Kollin Kosmicki covers politics for the Free Lance. Reach him at 637-5566, ext. 331 or kk*******@fr***********.com.
