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Gymnogyps californianus
California condors are among the largest flying birds in the world. Adults weigh approximately 19.8 lbs (9 kg) and have a wingspan up to 9.1 ft (2.75 m). Adults are black except for white underwing linings and edges. The head and neck are mostly naked; the skin on the neck is gray, grading into shades of yellow, red, and orange on the head. Males and females cannot be distinguished by size or plumage. Birds need five or six years to attain adult characteristics.
Cliffs above Kolob Creek near Zion National Park, Utah. The roosting tree is located in a ravine just below the rocks in the first and third images.
This was a popular roosting site for many Condors until recently.
Spotted on Oct 18, 2008
Submitted on Jan 18, 2012
5 Comments
Lovely series Jaybird!
So sad they have been forced to leave their roosts.
Christine; despite the pristine environment looking south from this vantage, the area to the north is being developed with summer homes. The birds have come into conflict with humans and as a result, the Peregrine Fund staff has encouraged (hazed) them to seek roosting opportunities in more remote sections of Zion National Park.
Magnificent bird! I really like image #3, power + calculation + control.
love their number plates! Why is the roost not so popular now?
impressive bird, impressive landscape - very nice