California Condor field notes, v1401
Page 241
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
Gymnogyps californianus June 29, 1946 Nr. Castle Mtn., Calit. Flat (wind fair from NE). At 5 p.m. I saw one over the ridge on N. side of Arroyo Canyon - it circled & worked up the ridge & at 5:10 disappeared behind (to N. of) the lower peak of Castle Mtn.. Then at 5:15 I saw one just above & beyond this peak, & again about 1 not minute later. That area is the head of Arroyo Pinos & is doubtless the roost for this area. These birds then roost in Fresno Co., & fly through Mercey & San Luis Obispo Counties (Kings too sometimes) in going to Shale Wells in Kern Co.! Saw no more by 5:45. Drove to a point about 1½ mile S. of top of Castle Mtn.. Fair E. wind continued. June 30, 1946 Nr. Castle Mtn., Calit. At 5 a.m. I started up the trail to Castle Mtn., & was atop the mountain by 5:45; the trail climbing good. Day clear & cool. I followed trail eastward then along the crest & at 6 a.m. got a look at the bluffs at head of Arroyo Pinos. These bluffs faced northward toward the foothills & plains of W. San Joaquin Valley. The ridge was topped by steep cliffs & rocky slope for about 500', then several steps assume nor to northward. The cliffs consist of sandstone, much sloff & broken, with slopes and intermittent, but offering good sandy perch points & possible nesting caves. Fair NE, then E. wind by 6 a.m. at 6:42 I saw 3 condors perched in a green