California Condor #294 a.k.a "Late Bloomer"

Hatchday: April 7, 2003 Hatch location San Diego Sex: Female Current Status: Died June 2011 Offspring: none Location: Big Sur, CA

I found this information on the website mycondor.org. It is great to learn more about a bird that I encountered for all of 5 minutes one beautiful August day in 2009 on the Pacific coastline.

She was known as "Late Bloomer" but had recently shown us signs that she may want to nest. Her closest condor companions appear to be affected by her loss from the flock. We will never know what exactly she died from, but we will always remember her as "Late Bloomer" that was about to bloom before she died.

Female condor # 294 took a little longer to mature than the rest of her cohort, hence her nickname, "Late Bloomer". Her head was still a mottled pink and black when the others her age were nearly all pink. Despite her physical development, she has always been a very curious and opportunistic bird. Her ability to slide in to the feeding circle unbeknownst and get her fill is very amusing. Her social skills are quite honed and she is often seen with a group of other condors older than herself.

She split her time between the Big Sur coast and Pinnacles National Monument, where she enjoyed a new view and company. Since she was older than all of the birds released at Pinnacles, these trips give her a chance to exert her dominance and gain more self-esteem before returning home. When she would arrives back to the coast, she was often spotted soaring the coastline south of Big Sur, viewed flying gracefully along the cliffs.

Internet Down

At least in my neck of the woods. More posts as soon as I get it sorted. For now, and later too, check out the incomparable photography of Ron Dudley. Simply breathtaking.

African Pygmy Falcon

I've posted images of the Martial Eagle which is the largest in Africa... here is the stunning African Pygmy Falcon, the smallest raptor in the continent. It is actually smaller than an American Robin.

I love tiny birds with immense attitude like Anna's Hummingbirds or Northern Saw-whet Owls. Now I have a new favorite to add to that diminutive list of minuscule marauders.

Here is a quick VIDEO befitting a quick bird. [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/37227487 w=590&h=332]

Grey Kestrel

The best thing about roaming around in a new land is seeing things that are brand new to you... like this dark grey beauty in the Serengeti. Any falcon is cause for an increase in heart rate but an unknown falcon always stops you in your tracks.

I have to give my Mom and friend props for being patient with me while we sat by the roadside watching a little grey bird in a distant tree. These pics were digiscoped from the back of our truck.

It looked back to keep tabs on a Lilac-breasted Roller nearby and then shifted forward as it prepared to depart.

Grey into gray. The kestrel dips into flight and flaps powerfully away. It's probably about the size of a Eurasian Kestrel (slightly bigger than the American model).

Well now it's a falcon that I know... and admittedly, I'd still stop in my tracks for another look at one. Great bird.

The Congregation

Hippos are amazing. They make extraordinary noises. Heavy long distance grunts and hollers. They secrete sunscreen. They spray feces with their paddle-like tails. They graze in fields at night. They run much faster than you. They are the most dangerous animals in Africa. Yup, see those teeth. If you trouble them they'll have no compunction about disemboweling you on their way back to the water. Respect!

This river in the Serengeti is a Hippo hotspot. They gather in the eddies and pass the daylight hours in large groups.

The roiling waters aren't always caused by the current. The Hippos sometimes snap out of their sedate reverie and swirl around furiously as they address their space issues.

A friendly warning is issued to a younger hippo who strayed too close.

With order reestablished, a Hippo feels comfortable cooling his exposed back and momentarily sunning his pallid feet.

A mother feels comfortable enough to encourage her baby to climb on the back of a submerged neighbor.

Farther out, a loner settles into the current and stands firm while the water races by.

A Red-billed Oxpecker gets a free ride on its roaming buffet. They can easily logroll a Hippo if it rolls onto its back, sprinting onto any available surface above water.

Yup, they certainly are fierce. I was glad to be on ledge near the pool with good visibility in all directions.

There you have it. Hippos from front to back. See you tomorrow folks.