PEACHFRONT SPEAKS

shades of pink, orange, and red in a condor's face

2008-05-15 - 9:42 a.m.

As we ascended the South Kaibab trail, a sinister shape, backlit by the noonday sun, sailed into view overhead. He saw us and dropped: Hey, Mr. Park Ranger, only ONE tourist a day is sufficient to meet my nutritional needs. As he closed in, the distinctive field marks came into view -- the snow-white underwing patches, the sarcastically long black "fingers," the numbered placards on the patagial area of each wing. Just another California Condor.

Seriously, folks, this bird is ridiculously easy to see. I'd be tempted to call it a "gimme." We had barely stepped foot on the Rim Trail -- I'd say less than five minutes into the first walk of our visit to the Grand Canyon -- and three Condors came lazily spinning by right overhead. And if you really want to see a large gathering, try 4 to 4:30ish near the Lookout Studio/gift shop area. Probably a dozen or more came by to spin overhead, amaze the paying tourists, and then gather on an exposed ledge.

One of the birds is numbered minus zero. No, really, I have a photo. He's less than zero. What's the story on that one?

Seeing the Condor soar with a suddenly miniaturized Turkey Vulture gives you an idea of the size of the bird. But you don't know how truly HUGE they are until you see them perched, with a rude Common Raven tugging on their tail. Now we all know that Mr. Raven is a good-sized animal. But put him next to a Condor and suddenly he's a ridiculous toy bird.

Other good birds include an egg-stealing Steller's Jay, a pair of Black-Headed Grosbeaks, an insect catching and smashing Ash-throated Flycatcher, song-fighting male Black-Throated Gray Warblers, and two kinds of Dark-Eyed Junco, Red-Backed and Gray Headed. Oh, and of course, Peregrine Falcon! A complete bird list, along with a full report of our visit to the Grand Canyon, will be coming along after I get home and have a chance to sort out my (many!) photos.

back - next

All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2002-200- by Elaine Radford