sandra@pyrtech (Sandra Macika) (07/23/90)
I am taking a public speeking class, and am doing a Speech on the California Condor. Is there anyone out there associated with the San Deigo Zoo or LA Zoo that has current info about the Condor situation? Is there anyone who has actually see a California Condor in the wild? (of course the siting would have to have been earlier than Easter 1987, when the last Condor was brought into captivity) I have read several books, but they are all 10 to 25 years old, and the situation has changed drastically in the past few years. I have read some newer articles too, but I would like to find out more. Thanks in advance for the help! Sandra
news@ism780c.isc.com (News system) (07/24/90)
In article <120748@pyramid.pyramid.com> sandra@pyrtech.pyramid.com (Sandra Macika) writes: >Is there anyone who has actually see a California Condor in the wild? >(of course the siting would have to have been earlier than Easter 1987, when >the last Condor was brought into captivity) Yes. I saw a group of 5 at one time. This was in the mid 80's. I don't have the exact date in front of me right now. I believe the total wild population at the time was about 20 birds. The birds were on a ranch feeding on a carcass put out by the rancher. The ranch was located a few miles north of Mt Pinos (~ over the n) east of Highway 5 between LA and Bakersfield. I was able to observe the birds for about 4 hours. During that time a golden eagle came in to feed also. The condors backed away until the eagle left. When the condors finally left at about 5 in the afternoon, they were out of sight in just about two minutes. The only wing flapping was at take off. The ran down slope to take off. The birds were about 1/2 mile from were we were watching so I was unable to get photos. I used a 55 power scope for observation. Quite a thrill all in all. BTW: I attended an LA Audubon meeting where I was pointed out that one of the main reasons for removing the remaining birds from the wild was lead poisoning. Even though cattle carcasses were placed out for birds, they continued to feed on deer that were shot with lead bullets. And this may be a problem if they are ever returned to the wild. Marv Rubinstein
sandra@pyrtech (Sandra Macika) (07/24/90)
In article <45549@ism780c.isc.com> marv@ism780.UUCP (Marvin Rubenstein) writes: >In article <120748@pyramid.pyramid.com> sandra@pyrtech.pyramid.com (Sandra Macika) writes: >>Is there anyone who has actually see a California Condor in the wild? >>(of course the siting would have to have been earlier than Easter 1987, when >>the last Condor was brought into captivity) > >Yes. I saw a group of 5 at one time. >I was able to observe the birds for about 4 hours. > That sounds absolutely increadible! >BTW: I attended an LA Audubon meeting where I was pointed out that one of >the main reasons for removing the remaining birds from the wild was lead >poisoning. Even though cattle carcasses were placed out for birds, they >continued to feed on deer that were shot with lead bullets. And this may be >a problem if they are ever returned to the wild. > > Marv Rubinstein Hopefully the development of copper bullets will eliminate this problem. I spoke with Mike Wallace, curator of birds at the Los Angeles Zoo today. He indicated that the bullets are so popular, that the only problem is hunting shops can't keep them in stock! They still want to have an Andean Condor ingest enough of the copper to ensure that it does not have harmful side effects, but it seems to be a far cry better than lead poisioning, which completely shuts down the bird's digestive system. Mike told me that they hope to release some of the California Condors in 1992 or 1993. Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate it! My speech is tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it went. Sandra
grp@unify.uucp (Greg Pasquariello) (07/25/90)
I tried mailing to you but I it bounced... In article <120748@pyramid.pyramid.com> sandra@pyrtech (Sandra Macika) writes: > > > I am taking a public speeking class, and am doing a Speech on the California > Condor. Is there anyone out there associated with the San Deigo Zoo or > LA Zoo that has current info about the Condor situation? > > Is there anyone who has actually see a California Condor in the wild? > (of course the siting would have to have been earlier than Easter 1987, when > the last Condor was brought into captivity) > I have a close friend named Ed Treacy, who saw one of the last condors in the wild. If you are interested in writing to him, give me a call and I will give you his address > > Thanks in advance for the help! > Sandra Greg Pasquariello (916) 920-9092 (work) (916) 333-2733 (home) -- -Greg Pasquariello grp@unify.com