Release set for Nov. 1
Two captive-bred California condors may taste freedom for the
first time this Saturday, Nov. 1, at Pinnacles National
Monument.
The public is invited to attend the event, which begins at 10
a.m., from a viewing area about
¾ mile from the release site. The viewing area is normally
closed to the public.
Release set for Nov. 1
Two captive-bred California condors may taste freedom for the first time this Saturday, Nov. 1, at Pinnacles National Monument.
The public is invited to attend the event, which begins at 10 a.m., from a viewing area about ¾ mile from the release site. The viewing area is normally closed to the public.
The release will take place on the east side of the monument, off Hwy. 25 about 30 miles south of Hollister.
Shuttle services from parking areas will bring visitors to within 1.5 miles of the viewing area. People unable to walk to the viewing area may request special assistance. Others should allow about 45 minutes to make the trek.
Spotting scopes, binoculars, water, layered clothing, and good hiking shoes are highly recommended, according to park staff. Car pooling is encouraged since parking is limited, and is on a first come, first served basis. Arrival between 7:30 and 8:30 is recommended in order to reach the viewing area before 10 a.m.
Because of the significance of this event, Superintendent Eric Brunnemann has waived the entrance fees for the day so that everyone has the opportunity to participate.
“We are encouraged by the success of this program and the support of the local communities and park neighbors,” Brunnemann said. “The return of the California condor to the central coast of California provides excellent opportunities for condor viewing in the park, and we are proud to be a part of the recovery of this magnificent species.”
Seven juvenile condors – three female and four male – will be set free in Pinnacles National Monument this fall, joining the park’s 15 wild resident condors. Up to two birds may be “soft released” through a double-door trap on Nov. 1, and once these birds give indications that they are acclimating to their new surroundings, the park plans to release the remaining juveniles over the following weeks. There is a chance that no birds will enter the trap on the day of the event. However, there is a good chance to see previously released free flying birds.
The 1-2-year-old juvenile condors are a result of successful captive breeding programs at the Peregrine Fund World Center of Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
All of Pinnacles’ releases have been “soft releases” using a double-door trap because it is less stressful on the birds. This technique relies on using a special trap built into the side of the flight pen, one door being open to the inside of the pen and the other to outside and freedom. The interior door normally remains open to allow the condors to become familiar with the interior of the trap. For release purposes, once a condor enters the trap, the inner door is closed and the outer door is opened to allow it to fly free.
This is the fifth release of the endangered birds at Pinnacles. Ultimately, project biologists anticipate building a sustainable population of up to 30 condors at Pinnacles, a historic condor nesting area, over the next several years. The reintroduction of California condors to Pinnacles is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Ventana Wildlife Society and Pinnacles Partnership in collaboration with the California Condor Recovery Team.
