3/17/2006: California condor chick

Happy Friday - this two-day-old California condor chick was submitted by multiple people. It's shown here at the San Diego Zoo, but don't get confused - the big thing there is not a condor at all, but a condor puppet used to feed the chick.

I hope that thermometer goes under the wing.

Here's what he'll look like as an adolescent:



Apparently their heads darken, and then lighten again as adults.

Very cool. Now, is that baby condor FOOLED by that puppet? And, why is it being fed by a puppet, or should I look at a link I missed on the first go-round?

It keeps them from imprinting on humans so that they will not be dependant and can be released into the wild to repopulate the species.

But, what about smell? I thought animals needed a good smell to know about life. Does the puppet have condor smell on her?

Maybe so...

From here...

Despite efforts to prevent condor chicks from imprinting on their human handlers (involving now famous condorlike puppets), the first groups of birds released in California were attracted to humans and human-made structures. Subsequent changes in the rearing practices of these chicks (including conditioning classes to teach chicks to avoid human structures) may prevent these behavioral problems in the future.

I have almost always imprinted on the dominate male. Personally. It's been a problem...

I think they added the cable -- in HMs pic -- to the railing at overlooks at the Grand Canyon to try and keep them from perching near people.

And as for the smell, I'm sure the puppet quickly acquires the essence of condor chow aka carrion.

Brianna wrote:

I have almost always imprinted on the dominate male. Personally. It's been a problem...

Its probably the smell...

Elspode wrote:

Its probably the smell...

Do dominate males smell bad? Coz if they do...

I prefer to call it pheromones

Brianna wrote:

I have almost always imprinted on the dominate male. Personally. It's been a problem...

Nah, Bri, if your prof azzhole is any indication, you've imprinted on the subordinate opportunist.

BIG difference!

Just think this little one will grow up take care of all are roadkill one day:yum:

i'm starting to think I love mari--I am also starting to think I'm...cultered. Like Paris.

Highriskgeo wrote:

Just think this little one will grow up take care of all are roadkill one day:yum:

Brianna wrote:

i'm starting to think I love mari--I am also starting to think I'm...cultered. Like Paris.

I'm starting to think some members have begun St. Patricks Day celebrations already :hic

We call them buzzards down here. But ours are bald.

They do the same thing with Whooping Cranes. Here you see a former KKK member hired to impersonate an adult crane!:lol:

Geez - it took me a while to find the adult condor's head in the second pic. I guess I'm used to our big ol white headed rat-birds up here.

Rat-birds? Is that any way to speak of our national bird? Bush'll get you for that.:haha:

Yep.

They're Jessica Simpson birds. Dumber than a stick, but nice on the eyes.

Maybe Ben franklin was right and we should eat 'em for thanksgiving.:yum: