Notes from the Field

Notes from the Field: Scott Scherbinski
September 30, 2008, Field Work

Everyone traveling to Sierra Paileman for the release has returned home, the newest group of birds has been out for just under two weeks and condor 26 was returned to the flight pen one week ago. It is back to the Paileman field crew, Walter, Mauricio, Marcelo, volunteer Ana from Brazil and myself tracking and observing the condors. We have been observing the three young birds as they make their first awkward flights and even more awkward landings. A few of the older condors, including the apparently inseparable duo of 4 and 6, have been passing through to check out and haze the new birds. 26 has fed and is looking strong inside the flight pen. Hopefully we will be able to release her soon.

As we take turns watching the condors and brewing mate, we have time to talk about the challenges of the project. We rehash the series of events that lead to bringing 26 back into captivity and hypothesis about ways to make releasing captive bred condors into the wild more efficient. The crew here has been impressed with the system of scales and cameras we use in California to track the weights of condors in the field. With known weights of these birds it can be easier to assess their health and help to make management decisions. As Denise and Jim have discussed with Luis and Vanessa, this seems like a great opportunity to collaborate and support the project here in Paileman.

When I ask the field crew what aspect of the project they feel is important, they all say “Education.” Here in Argentina, as in California, there are practices that unintentionally affect the condors and other non-target species. Local rancher use highly toxic poisons to control predator population. Unfortunately condors have fed on these laced carcasses and died. It is the same story in California, where we use rifles and, typically, lead ammunition to control predators. Condors feeding on these carcasses risk possible lead poisoning. The crew here talks about educational trips to local schools were they discuss the biology and cultural aspects of the Andean Condor with the students. They also discuss captive breeding efforts and threats to condors in the wild. In addition to this the crew travels through the area talking and working with ranchers to find alternative methods to reduce risks to non-target species. Again, I am amazed to hear how similar these efforts are to our efforts in California and how the crew here accomplishes all of this work. It definitely gives me an appreciation for the crew and resources we have at Pinnacles.