Pinnacles National Monument has discovered the first condor nest
there in more than 100 years, according to a press statement.
Pinnacles National Monument has discovered the first condor nest there in more than 100 years, according to a press statement.
“We are thrilled that after being involved with the Condor Recovery Program since 2003, the park has its first nest in over 100 years,” said Eric Brunnemann, park superintendent, in the statement.
The two condors, both around 7 years old, chose a nest cave that can be viewed easily by the public from the Scout Peak bench on the High Peaks Trail, he said.
The statement says biologists will be closely monitoring the nest to determine if the new parents succeed in incubating the egg and rearing a young bird to fledge from the high rocky cliff. Condor eggs take an average of 57 days to hatch. Nestlings remain flightless for an additional five to six months.
A temporary closure area around the nest cliff is in effect during the 2010 breeding season. An area extending from Western Front to Goat Rock and north to the edge of the Juniper Canyon Trail will be closed to protect the nesting birds. The Juniper Canyon and High Peaks trails remain open. Park visitors interested in off trail activities within the Monument should consult with a park ranger for specific guidance, according to Pinnacles.
Last year marked the first in which a Pinnacles-released condor nested. Condor 313 paired with Condor 303 who laid an egg in a rocky outcrop at the RS Bar Guest Ranch in southern San Benito County. Although Condor 303 died before her nestling took his first flight, the juvenile survived and continues to fly over San Benito County.
