California Condor field notes, v1401
Page 81
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
Gymnogyps californianus June 12, 1946 Hopper Canyon, Calif. third adult atop (p. o.) Crundell Ridge. Another count gave 24, 15 ad., 9 imm. (5:15). In the [illegible] tree where I saw him "fed"; one adult was crouched flat on branch with imm. 15' below. The calf now (5:20) in shadow, the adult still in walnut tree - apparently no coyote has had a bite yet, but I could not examine the carcass without disturbing the condors. It is probable that a coyote also broke up the feeding this morning - perhaps coyote control should be incorporated in condor preservation program; they may furnish some carcasses but consume many others they do not kill. No change by 5:35. Light E. breeze. I started for camp. June 13, 1946 Hopper Canyon, Calif. Arrived at Pyramid Lookout at 5:45 a.m. There was a fair wind (20mph) from NNNW, sky clear, air about 65°F., visibility fair. I spottled 13 condors scattered in the dead Pseudotaxus around Big Meadow - 2 trees had 2, others only 1. About 6 of these birds were in Near Raost Trees, 3 to S. of the meadow, 4 just W. of Rock Ridge. The "most used" tree of yesterday held none. The condor tendency is to go downhill to a more protected spot for night roosting. The calf carcass was lying as before, apparently