California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) numbers B64 (Blue tag, male) and B71 (female, above) were released into the wild on December 12, 1997.  After many days on numerous trips spent trying to find the Big Sur condors, I finally photographed them at Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. Earlier that month they had been observed to make the first breeding attempt ever by the Big Sur flock. But at only 5 years old, they were still too young to be successful.  For more information on the Condor release program, go to http://www.ventanaws.org/condors.htm.

Canon EOS 1V camera and 600 f/4 L IS lens with 1.4x teleconverter. Fuji Provia 100F, pushed two stops.  Canon 550EX used for fill flash.  1/45 sec at f/5.6.  Gitzo tripod with Wimberly head.

This photo appeared in Plateau Journal, Fall/Winter 2002.