"Condor, #6 in Field"

I recently learned that #6 was also known as AC2. Given that information I was able to do more research. I would like to comment here that the California Condor was the species that moved me to begin using my art to educate the public about America's endangered species some 17 years ago. I have always felt this to be a magnificent bird - full of individual beauty and grace. I found the following field notes at http://www.fws.gov/hoppermountain/cacondor/fieldnotes2006.htm
"June of 2005 condor AC-2 was released, one of the original wild males that had frequented the mountains behind Santa Barbara and the foothills on the edge of the San Joaquin Valley above Maricopa. The bird was released on June 22 at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, only 90’ from where he had been captured 19 years earlier in 1986 to become part of the captive breeding program. Within minutes of release this bird began making his way back to the mountains above Santa Barbara where he had roosted and produced young years before. Unfortunately this bird only survived 95 days in the wild, and was found dead on September 27 on Bitter Creek Refuge. The cause of death is still unknown. He was believed to be at least 35 years old."

The Life History of AC2, written by Jan Hamber, 2005 can be found at http://www.condorlookout.org/AC2.html [thank you Jan :-)]

Pastel on acid free paper, toned blue.