Blue Sky at San Diego Zoo

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.

Skywatch--condors

When Hubby and I reached the high point of the high peaks trail we were thrilled to be rewarded for our efforts by five condors! We had hoped to see them but even on this trail it is not a certainty.
The condors are the largest bird in north America. They had been nearly driven to extinction when the last 22 were captured in 1987 and taken to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and Los Angeles Zoo for a captive breeding program. They began to be released back into the wild in 1991. There are now 321 living condors. (Wikipedia)

You can tell a juvenile from a mature condor by the color of its head. The head of a juvenile is grey while a mature condor has a red head.

Pinnacles, Big Sur, Piru, Grand Canyon, Zion and Baja California now have populations of Condors. Information on the Pinnacles population can be found here.

They are very social birds. I can't read the tags on this pair to see if it is the pair that the researchers think may be in a breading mood.

Unfortunately, not all people enjoy the condors. In the last month two have been found shot but alive. Both were taken to the LA Zoo for rehabilitation. More information can be found here.

Go to Skywatch Friday for more great sky photos.