Condor question - when do they come?
Moderator: Chip
Condor question - when do they come?
I remember seeing California condors at Kagel, but don't remember what time of year. Do they come around the same time (when they do) or does it vary throughout the year?
H4
Rob,
In the 5 years that I've been flying locally, I recall only 4 days that we've had condors when I've been out.
There is a condor refuge close by if you and others want to make it a club field trip:
http://www.ventanaws.org/species_condors/
http://www.fws.gov/hoppermountain/Visitors.html
Cheers,
DQ
In the 5 years that I've been flying locally, I recall only 4 days that we've had condors when I've been out.
There is a condor refuge close by if you and others want to make it a club field trip:
http://www.ventanaws.org/species_condors/
http://www.fws.gov/hoppermountain/Visitors.html
Cheers,
DQ
3 years ago with w/ my GoPro HD Hero strapped to my chin guard I was caught by surprise. I thought it was a group of 5 buzzards until I saw the tag of the younger bird that made 5 progressively closer passes to me. Greblo asked me to keep the video out of the public eye so we don't draw unwanted attention to Towers launch.OP wrote:....Am I mistaken, but I think DQ has them on film. Could have been just him playing "chicken" with hawks.
Last year I was contacted by a French production company about shooting professional hang glider video in proximity to the condors. I put the director in touch with the staff at the condor sanctuary when she flew out for a visit. They politely told her something to the effect that it's unlawful. So much for my appearance in the European documentary film circuit.
Thanks Robert. I forgot about these shots that Dana once showed me.Busto wrote:This happened in late may of 2002. It was a common theme to see them often. There are some good footage out there with pilot's flying with them during this time.
It's a great picture of Fred Waugh. He was pushing seventy, and he was still ripped...
John Hesch has had more encounters with condors than anyone I know from back in the 80's when there was a launch site right near where they were released into the wild. John described them as very friendly and curious birds that would soar right next to the pilot under the wing.
In case anyone is wondering--It is not permitted to make a commercial film, documentary or otherwise of condors in their protected habitat. Condors are protected but not in the same manner when they are in the general area. Take all the photos you like but please don't post videos on YouTube that could give environmentalist types the wrong impression. If anyone is wondering what it's like just shoot me a PM or email and I'll give you the link and password to the video.
DQ
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gregangsten
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- Location: Westchester
Condors Saturday
I saw two condors below me over the 1500 last Saturday (2-9). First time I have spotted any in a long time.
I saw something weirder on the same flight over Locals. I was scratching low over the point down on the main spine and I saw a large dog, not a coyote, lying on its side on that bump where its not so steep. It took me a long time to get out of there and the animal didn't move. I thought it was dead or dying.
Finally I got up there, made it to West Towers, and stopped by there again on my way to the LZ but he was gone. Maybe he just likes to hike up there, take in the view and unwind for awhile.
I saw something weirder on the same flight over Locals. I was scratching low over the point down on the main spine and I saw a large dog, not a coyote, lying on its side on that bump where its not so steep. It took me a long time to get out of there and the animal didn't move. I thought it was dead or dying.
Finally I got up there, made it to West Towers, and stopped by there again on my way to the LZ but he was gone. Maybe he just likes to hike up there, take in the view and unwind for awhile.
Last edited by gregangsten on Tue Feb 12, 2013 3:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Condors Saturday
Later Saturday afternoon I spotted that very dog cleaning his teeth with the quills from a condor's feathers then he washed the smell of dead opossum off of his coat with a garden hose. A very clever dog indeed.gregangsten wrote:....I saw a large dog, not a coyote, lying on its side on that bump where its not so steep. It took me a long time to get out of there and the animal didn't move. I thought it was dead or dying....
