California Condor

Today, I went over to the Pa’rus Trail and did a program called Captivating Condors. This is a pop-up program that ranges from 5 to 15 minutes. I usually set up along the bench on the trail or in similar spots, as done at Big Bend or Emerald Pools. During this time, I am informing visitors about the heat and how to stay cool. I also talk to them about staying hydrated. This is a great time to promote our Nature Center that just opened up for the season. Our nature center is a resource that is operated during the summer season. It is a learning hub for visitors. 

The captivating condor program is one of our favorites, and it was made by a previous seasonal named Kristen. This program talks about California condors. The program touches base on the topic of endangered species and why they care catagorized as such. The California condor is endangered due to its susceptibility to bird flu and lead poisoning. It is important to emphasize to visitors that the lead poisoning they experience comes directly from lead bullets used during hunting. This is not to say a bullet is bad or good, but really the point we try to get across is explaining how a lead bullet fragments into tiny pieces when they are lodge into something. Compared to a steel bullet that will roll in on itself. The California condor can often not pass the lead that has been ingested when consuming carrion, which accumulates and causes lead poisoning. Visitors should leave knowing the effects of lead bullets and how they impact the lives of California condors, as well as facts about the bird, its wingspan size of 10 ft, and its behavior.