Latest California Condor Stories

SAN DIEGO (AP) - California condors are expected to return soon to the skies over San Diego County, nearly a century after they disappeared. Scientists say condors released in Mexico three years ago have made exploratory flights within 15 miles of the United States, and they believe the birds will cross the border in the next few months. "I thought it would be several years from now," said Mike Wallace, a team leader with the California Condor Recovery Program. The condor is North...

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) -- The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has long been a favorite of human visitors gawking at the stunning views and taking advantage of the manmade services. As it turns out, the South Rim also is a favorite of endangered California condors - for many of the same reasons. The large birds often gather to watch people, socialize with one another and drink from a leaky water pipe. On some days, as many as 25 to 30 condors soar over the canyon area - more...

SIERRA PAILEMAN, Argentina (AP) -- Timidly taking its first steps in the wild, the young condor perches on a rocky plateau as a hot breeze swirls upward from the barren Patagonian landscape. Raised in captivity, the 1-year-old gathers the courage to attempt its first flight, unfurling its 10-foot wings and flapping skyward - before landing awkwardly on rocks a short distance away. Condors, the world's largest flying birds, once soared by the thousands along jagged mountain ridges across South...