Giant California condors are an endangered species on the brink of extinction, but the Tehachapi home of Cinda Mickols is being overrun with about 15 to 20 of the rare birds.
The condors arrived at Mickols’ home sometime last week and seem keen on staying according to her daughter, Seana Quintero, who has posted pictures of the endangered species enjoying their stay while damaging her mother’s home.
“She does think this is pretty amazing but also the worst. They don’t have to leave her property but leave the house alone. They keep hanging out on her roof and railings messing with stuff and pooping everywhere. Trees are fine but not the house please,” she tweeted.
So far, the birds have ruined the deck, knocked over railings, destroyed decorative flags, lawn ornament, a spa cover, knocked over plants, and left poop everywhere.
Condors were put on the U.S. endangered species list in 1967. By the1980s, a few of the remaining birds were placed in zoos for captive breeding to thwart the extinction of the species.
The California condor is the largest flying bird in North America and has an average lifespan of up to 60 years.
Condors are scavengers and may fly dozen of miles a day searching for food. However, when large meals are available, the birds may overeat, which could require rest for several hours before they consider flying again.
When they aren’t searching for food, the birds spend their time grooming their roost, sunning, and cleaning themselves.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services responded to Quintero’s post and informed her that her mother’s home is a historical condor habitat and advised them how to handle the birds invading the home.
“If this happens again, hazing to preclude them from causing damage and habituation is encouraged. This includes using methods that will not harm them such as water hoses, yelling, clapping, shouting or using other preventative measures such as scarecrow sprinklers,” the agency suggested.
As of Wednesday, the giant California condors have relocated from Mickols’ home to a tree on her property.
Reducing the use of lead ammunition will make it feasible to reintroduce condors in Northern California. Photo: Chris West
