California Condors Blog

California condors, known for their nearly 10-foot wingspan and near extinction in the 1980s, nest in caves on cliffs or sometimes in large redwood cavities. The iconic rocks of Pinnacles National Park, forged by volcanic activity, provide great nesting sites for condors. Currently, there are nine condor nestlings in central California, three of which are in nests inside the park.

California condor nesting season is well underway in Pinnacles National Park. This year, three separate pairs are nesting in the park, and biologists have a video camera on one of the nests. This camera is proving to be an incredible tool. It is also recording condor behavior that has never been observed before.

California condor 878, who took her first short flight last month in Pinnacles National Park, is continuing to explore the world outside her nest cavity. The Pinnacles condor crew also just released two young birds that were raised in captivity.

For the second year in a row, an endangered California condor chick has successfully fledged from within Pinnacles National Park!