Condor Monitoring
Monitoring and managing the wild flock-
what it takes to keep condors soaring
Radio and GPS/Satellite Telemetry:
High-Tech Tracking Devices
Prior to release, all of the condors are fitted with either a radio or a GPS/Satellite tag on each wing. Radio transmitters weigh approximately 2 ounces, and have batteries that last from 1 to 3 years. The more advanced GPS/Satellite tags weigh slightly more, but can be solar powered for up to several years. They provide much more detailed location information, but they are very expensive.
You might be lucky enough to catch
a
glimpse of condor biologists tracking
birds from public roadsides near the park.
Neighbors can lend assistance by
reporting condor sightings or feedings
and by allowing biologists access to lands
in support of monitoring activities.
Biologists will always ask for permission
before accessing private land.
This map shows the current range of the Pinnacles and Big Sur condors. GPS/Satellite tags record the location of each bird once each hour, allowing biologists to keep track of the condor's movements. Approximately 1/5 of the population is outfitted with GPS/Satellite tags.
Monitoring
24-Hour Service
CondorCam
Using a hidden video camera and recording system, biologists record when condors are feeding and how much each bird eats.
On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, crew members are never truly at rest. "Worry birds" - those birds that haven't fed in over a week, are missing, are prone to approaching people, or are suspected of having ingested lead - are always on the field crews' minds.
A hidden camera takes photos of the birds as they perch on a scale, giving biologists vital data about each condor's health and weight. More photos are available at www.nps.gov/pinn.
