C&T Publications Eye on Fine Art Photography - June 2014 | Page 83

The California Condor is the largest bird of prey in North America, with an impressive wingspan of almost 10 feet. They
can weight as much as 23 pounds.
Unlike other birds, there is no noticeable difference between males and females when it comes to size and coloration.
This particular specimen, tag #87 (Stud Book #187), is a 16 year old male who was bred at the Peregrine Fund’s World
Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho. He was released into the wild in 1998. During this past winter he began a strong
pair bond with a 7 year old female, tag #F3 (Stud Book #453), who was bred in the Los Angeles Zoo and released into
the wild in 2009. California Condors mate for life, so we can hopefully look forward to a new chick produced by the two
of them in the near future, and more in years to come.
To learn more about these fascinating birds please visit the National Park Service site, where you can also read updates
on the handsome fellow known as #87.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/california-condors.htm

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