There are lots of birds hanging out in the Grand Canyon. The heat and wind conditions make for a bird's good time. The ones we saw included the California Condor, Peregrine Falcon, Raven, and the Swift, which seems to enjoy buzzing tourists, making a swooshing sound as they go by.

The Peregrine Fund is doing what it can to reinvigorate the California Condor as a species. As many know their numbers have been seriously depleted for various reasons. Most have to do with the advance of man into their habitats.

To date the PF has released 35 Condors in Arizona and 25 have survived. They're particularly encouraged by the fact that one of the Condors has actually hatched an egg.

Majestic in flight, even with the landing gear down
Their wingspan measures up to 9.5 feet and they feast mostly on carrion. They like the Grand Canyon area because there is lots of activity. The Condors are curious birds and particularly interested in the water pipe below because of the sound that comes from it.

This Condor found a nice spot for herself on a ledge. For a slightly larger perspective click on the image to the left.

Here's a hen party at the water pipe. The Condors are all numbered to help the rangers keep track of them. Where is a tupperware salesman when you need one.

We called her the bird lady of Grand Canyon. She knows all about all the various birds that are inhabiting the canyon. The radar equipment she is carrying is used to track the movement of the Condors.
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She's a student working as an intern for the Peregrine Fund. If you want to find out more about their efforts click on the logo.