October 7, 2008, Condor 26 Re-released
Condor 26 was re-released two days ago after being back in the flight pen for a couple of weeks. Time in the flight pen gave her the opportunity to feed and drink and gave the field crew the opportunity to closely monitor her for potential injury or illness. Fortunately she was looking health and strong and Walter released her as Marcelo, Ana and I watched from below, ready to follow her if she chose to fly far from the release area. 26 did fly from area, fortunately not far out over the flat grazing lands as she did initially. But, unfortunately she flew into the territory of a pair of 
Aguila Moras, or Black Chested Buzzard Eagles. As she flew the eagles repeatedly stooped on her, slamming in to her with open talons and forcing her to land. Once perched on a rock outcropping the eagles continued to stoop and strike her. At one point it appeared as 26 might be knocked off her perch. She was able to tuck in behind a boulder where the eagles could not get to her. As a biologist it is a paradox. On one hand, it is amazing to witness the natural struggle for life and power of these eagles. On the other hand, it is difficult to watch as an animal in which so much time and effort has been placed is in a legitimate struggle for its life. Walter, Marcelo and I watched from below, grimacing and flinching with each pass of the eagles. At this point even if we wanted to intervene there was nothing we could do. Finally, after several passes the eagles relent enough for 26 to escape and fly out of their territory. Incredible.In addition to keeping an eye on the young condors as they begin to take longer and longer flights, we have also been observing two adult condors in the Voladora. This is a flight pen that has been built into the rock face of a cliff. The hope is that the condors inside will breed and their young will be released with other captive bred condors. This is an impressive pen. Build around a natural cave in the rock to be used as a nest cavity with an open view of the surrounding cliffs. Just looking at the structure you know a great deal of work went into moving materials into place, bolting down the supports and constructing the steel mesh of the walls. When I ask the crew they smile and sigh, as just the thought of the work they put in to this pen is tiring. Walter, Mauricio, and Marcelo built this pen in only three weeks. It is impressive to hear how much they accomplish. In what is becoming routine, I am again impressed with their dedication, hard work and resourcefulness.
In the evening, when we aren’t hiking slabs of carcasses to the tops of the ridgeline for the new released condors to feed on, we take turns cooking dinner. We often stop be the home of the Botana family, who graciously share meals of asado lamb and empanadas. We play jenga and even foosball or as they call it metro gol. Their generosity is amazing and seemingly never ending.
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