Condors to be released in northern Ariz.
If your soul is stirred by the sight of majestic California condors soaring over the cliffs and canyons of northern Arizona, mark Sept. 22 on your calendar.
The Peregrine Fund, working with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and several other agencies, is inviting the public to the 23rd annual release of California condors in Arizona. The release is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday Sept. 22, in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Spotting scopes will be provided in the viewing area, but spectators are encouraged to bring their own scopes or binoculars.
California condors were listed as endangered in 1967 and were nearly extinct by 1987 when all of the wild birds were captured to save the population. The condors being released on Sept. 22 were raised at the Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise and the Oregon, Los Angeles and San Diego zoos.
According to the Peregrine Fund, there are 85 condors in northern Arizona and southern Utah (as of July) and nearly 500 worldwide. Most of the birds are in Arizona, California, Utah and Mexico.
The Peregrine Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1970 to restore the peregrine falcon population in the United States. It expanded its focus after its efforts resulted in the birds being removed from the endangered species list in 1999. The fund now works to help more than 100 species of raptors in 65 countries.
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday Sept. 22. From Flagstaff, take State Route 89 north to Bitter Springs and turn west on SR 89A. Go about 42 miles to House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065), turn north and go about 3 miles to the release site. BLM 1065 is graded dirt suitable for most cars. www.peregrinefund.org/condor.