SW CA Condor Update - 2017-04 (April)

Condor Enthusiasts -

There is lots of exciting news in the condor world!

2017 ARIZONA/ UTAH BREEDING STATUS UPDATE:

The condor pair 354/ 496 sitting on the nest visible from the Navajo Bridge.  Photo © Alan Clampitt 2017

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NPS):

• 441/ 653? are exhibiting pair behavior in the Horsehoe Bend area

Grand Canyon National Park:

• 187/ 280 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior on the Battleship formation
• 123/ 297 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior in the Dana Butte area
• 354/ 496 are sitting on an egg in Marble Canyon visible from the Navajo Bridge! And causing quite a stir on social media. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area runs the visitor center adjacent to the nest although the nest is technically on Grand Canyon land. Also, visitors should note, the land above the nest belongs to the sovereign Navajo Nation and requires permission and permits from them. Keep an eye on The Peregrine Fund's Condor Cliffs Facebook page for regular updates on this nest.
• 203/ 447 have paired up and are exhibiting nesting behavior in the Tapeats area
• 520/ ?? is exhibiting pair behavior in the Thunder River area

Havasupai Indian Reservation:

• 275-379/453 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior

Kaibab National Forest:

• 293/ 389 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior in Kane Canyon
• 193/ 241 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior in Buckskin Wash of House Rock Valley

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (BLM):

• 266/296 are sitting on an egg on the Vermilion Cliffs
• 162-388/383 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior near Sand Crack
• 342/541 are exhibiting possible egg incubating behavior near Badger

Zion National Park:

• 523/ 409 have paired up and are exhibiting nesting behavior

2016 ARIZONA/ UTAH BREEDING STATUS UPDATE:

Newton Butte chick 850 with its unmarked wings and distinctly dark head.

Photo copyright Lionel Xavier 2017

• Chick 850 from 423/ 521 at Newton Butte, Grand Canyon National park was photographed just last week (see photo)! It still has not been captured and tagged.
  
• Chick 849 from 266/ 296 from Vermilion Cliffs, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument fledged and has been tagged with T9.

Prepared by Miranda Terwilliger, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Science and Resource Management, Grand Canyon National Park