Wild Wing Project

CONDORS OVER LAS VEGAS?

George Stoecklin

We all know about condominiums springing up around Las Vegas, but how about condors? California Condors that is. California Condors are members of the vulture family. They are very large, with wingspans of up to 9.5 feet, wing tip to wing tip. They can weigh between 16 and 23 lbs. They can have a body length from 46-55 inches. Like all vultures, condors feed on carrion (dead flesh).

California Condors nearly went extinct. The population was failing and not reproducing. In 1982 it was decided to capture all wild condors and bring them into captivity in a last ditch effort to prevent their extinction. Their population numbered 22.

However things look considerably better today. Now there are 246 living condors. 132 live in capivity at the San Diego, Los Angeles and Oregon (Portland) zoos and the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise Idaho. There are 114 in the wild with 57 in California , 8 in baja Mexico and 47 in Arizona. Most of the birds were born in captivity and programmed to live in the wild. However, 4 birds currently in the wild were born there, including 1 from 2003 in Arizona and 2 from this year in Arizona and 1 from this year in California. The majority of birds in the wild are too young too breed, but there has been increasing nesting and egg laying and fledging (baby birds that can fly) slowly year by year.

The birds in Arizona have been released in the Vermillion Cliffs just to the North of the Grand Canyon. However for most of the last year between 8-12 birds have been regularly spotted up at Zion National Park. Which for a condor is practically a short visit from Las Vegas!!
Condors are very curious, which is one of the problems there has been in releasing condors to the wild. They tend to eat all manner of sharp objects and one of the biggest problems have been eating lead shot from deer. 59 have died, but only 1 in 2004 as the caretakers from various federal state and private organizations have increasingly worked out the bugs.
As the population continues to expand and mature, its only a matter of time before Nevada gets its first Condor visit in who knows how many years.

Photos courtesy of pdphoto.org

WEST NILE VIRUS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

Lisa Ross

It was only a matter of time until Nevada was included with the rest of the nation to be counted as a West Nile Virus state. The Virus was first found in Carson City (Northern Nevada) in a crow and not long after, here in the southern part of the state with our first bird of prey admitted-an American Kestrel (small falcon).

Dr. Thain, (Nevada State Veterinarian) is encouraging all mule horse and donkey owners to vaccinate their animals. Take extra precautions to empty any standing water on your property where mosquitos can multiply, such as water that may collect in old tires, flower pots, buckets, and barrels, etc. Be sure to change the water in bird baths and pet dishes regularly.

Mosquitos are also most active during dusk and dawn hours so if you must be outside wear long sleeves and pants and be sure to wear a pest repellent.

For more information on West Nile Virus visit
http://agri.state.nv.us and click on the mosquito icon.