California Condor #477 aka "Phoenix"

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Hatchday: April 22, 2008 Hatch location Big Sur Sex: Unknown, we have never tested #477 Current Status: unpaired Offspring: None Current location: Big Sur, CA

Phoenix was the best surprise we have ever had. We knew the parents were frequently in remote Big Sur backcountry, but we were unable to confirm an egg was laid for many months. Phoenix grew up in one of Big Sur's unique redwood nests. Of all of the nests in the Big Sur area, this one is the most pristine. We entered it precisely once. We never touched the egg, and so this is the first nest in Big Sur where the parents raised their own egg, rather than fostering a replacement egg from the zoo. In the years to come, we hope this "hands off" technique can be used for all of our nests. As our flock demonstrates more life skills, we will be intervening less and less in their lives.

In 2008, the Basin Complex fire scorched the forest for miles around so severely there is nothing left but ash. The grove of trees the nest was in was burned about halfway up, but the crowns were not damaged. #477's nickname, Phoenix, comes from his/her trial by fire, and also because of the hope the parents inspired by raising their first chick so perfectly with innate skill.

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