Seven Condors Released in Northern California Join Flock That Has Reached Oregon

Bird lovers had reason to celebrate earlier this year when a California condor, a two-year-old female known as B9, soared back into Oregon skies for the first time in more than a century.

The sighting marked a milestone in the recovery of one of North America’s most endangered birds, with seven more young condors now joining the growing flock in Northern California.

Seven Young Condors Strengthen Northern California Recovery Effort

The seven birds were introduced into Yurok Country as part of the Northern California Condor Restoration Program, a partnership between the Yurok Tribe and Redwood National and State Parks.

One of the young condors marked a milestone for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, becoming its 200th bird introduced into native habitats.

This was also the first time condors that hatched at the Safari Park had been released at the Yurok Country site. The newcomers join 26 condors already living in the area, where the first releases took place in 2022.

But the achievement actually reflects more than four decades of conservation work. When San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance began its California condor recovery program in 1982, only 22 birds remained worldwide.

Today, the population has grown to more than 600, with over half living in native habitats. The federal recovery program’s annual census provides a regional picture from before the latest releases.

Earlier Flight Into Oregon Shows Recovering Condor Flock’s Reach

The recovery effort has also brought condors back to Oregon skies. The return of B9 marked the first return of the species to Oregon in more than a century.

Her round trip from Northern California into Oregon and back in May covered approximately 380 miles, demonstrating the ability of young condors to explore and reclaim territory once occupied by their ancestors.

These enormous scavengers play an important ecological role by feeding on carcasses, including those of marine mammals along the coast and larger wildlife such as elk and bears. Their feeding helps recycle nutrients and reduce potential disease risks.

There are still challenges ahead, however. Lead poisoning remains the biggest threat to wild condors, which can swallow tiny ammunition fragments when feeding on animal carcasses or remains left by hunters.

Power lines also pose a danger, while chicks can accidentally be fed small pieces of rubbish known as microtrash.