Condor hatches at Pinnacles National Monument for first time in 100 years

[Donna]

For the first time in more than 100 years, a condor chick has hatched at Pinnacles National Monument — a milestone that reflects efforts to bring the condor back from the brink of extinction.

The first-time parent condors are behaving normally — regularly feeding and incubating the new nestling, according to a news release by the National Park Service.

Two 7-year-old condors, a male and a female, released along the Big Sur coast by the Ventana Wildlife Society, were seen in courtship displays during the winter and paired up for their first breeding attempt.

Though the areas directly surrounding the nest cliff will be closed to the public during the nesting period, public viewing is still possible, although it will take a hike to get there. The viewing area is about two miles from the closest parking areas.

Biologists are closely monitoring the nest through the breeding cycle. Nestlings remain flightless for five to six months.

Pinnacles National Monument was chosen as a California condor release site because of its intact habitat and good cliff-nesting opportunities.

Six groups of condors have been released at the monument, with 2009 marking the first year that a condor nested.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery hopes to establish a population of at least 150 condors in California with at least 15 breeding pairs.

Park visitors interested in off-trail activities during this year's breeding season should consult with a park ranger.