We had gorgeous weather for our trip to San Diego. There were few clouds to add interest to sky shots so I had to find something else to photograph against the blue.
The California condor had come close to extinction when the few remaining were captured and placed in a breeding program at the Los Angeles and San Diego Zoos.
Immature condors have dark faces. Once they mature they get their handsome multi-colored heads.
Well, maybe not exactly handsome. Perhaps a face only a devoted mate could love.
I have had the opportunity to see them in the wild near one of the release sites. With their wide wingspans (over 9 feet) they are a magnificent sight.
See more skies from around the world at SkyWatch Friday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia.
20 comments:
Well, of course, the gorgeous, cloudless skies do appeal to me, but it never hurts to have a "handsome????" fellow grace your skies!! I'm afraid you're right, a face only a devoted mate could love!! Marvelous captures, Martha, as always and a lift for my day!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia
Terrific pictures. I'd love to see them again! When we were much much younger, we actually saw them in the wild (before we knew they were about to disappear or much about birds -- or anything!)...we lived in New Pine Creek, CA (near Alturas) then. A friend took us on a tour of the area shortly after we moved there. That was 50+ years ago -- our daughter turned that age this year and she was born when we were there.) I was busy with babies and don't remember a lot of what we saw, but I do remember that wingspan.
Oh my, what a face. But that's probably what many types of birds look like minus head feathers. The blue sky is a gorgeous backdrop.
Ok he scares me almost to death, but that's a great BLUE SKY background
Incredible birds. Thank you for the nature lesson!
I love your shots of the condor against the blue sky.I like the multicolor face. I bet they earn those wrinkles too.
I guess beauty really IS in the eye of the beholder! I've seen them soaring over the Grand Canyon - magnificent!
Wonderful that you saw them, Martha. I visit the San Diego Zoo's website often, and I remember when the condors were released. I wondered what would become of them. Now I know.
Super shots, and a super post.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
The condors against a blue sky makes a truly wonderful sky watch. And they are much easier to photograph at the zoo than in the wild. Being at a release site is awesome.
There's nothing wrong with blue skies, and I love the close-up of that condor!
Great pictures indeed, probably the very essence of the 'wild West'.
Please have a peaceful Friday you all.
daily athens
Wonderful pictures of the birds against the bright blue sky. The birds are really impressive.
I thought it's an eagle. So this are condors wow they look very attentive and huge. Thanks for the visit and happy Friday!
Looking at the sky
Great catch! Thanks for sharing!
I have not seen condors this close. Hopefully, I can see them at the Wild Animal Park,this weekend.
I think he is old but cute.
Great pictures. I love the blue skies. The condors are spectacular.
Handsome is in the eye of the beholder, I'm sure.
I've long been fascinated with the efforts to bring the condor back from the brink of extinction. I've never seen one in the flesh, so seeing your photos is a real treat.
I think they are rather handsome birds. :)
Nice shots.
Though not a cutie :) it's wonderful to see a condor up close and personal. These are special shots.
Looks like I will be walking in showers this coming weekend in San Diego. Oh, well. It's only water.
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