Capture of a California Condor Near Pomona, California
Capture of a Galifornia Gondor Near Pomona, Gal. The taking of a California Condor (Pssudogryphus californianus) is always of interest especially when found in the Sierra Madre Mountains, where the former large stock interests have given away to fruit and grain. Occasionally one is shot by hunters in the more remote parts, but as usual with such specimens, they are left to waste owing to lack of knowledge as to their preparation. To Mr. J. Eugene Laws ’ intelligent action I am indebted for a fine specimen which was shot north of Pomona Jan. 16. Mr. I,aw writes of it in substance as follows: It was first observed about two miles, west of Lordsburg, just a mile below San Dimas canyon. When first seen it was dying towards the hills in the direction of Marshall canyon, which is just east of San Dimas, about twenty feet high over the ranch. It flew about 300 yards and then lit on a sycamore to rest, evidently. It was followed and wounded slightly in the wing with a rifle ball, but it flew away and fell, striking the ground of its own weight. Two more rifle shots, one taking effect, failed to kill, the bird moving a short ways after each. After the last it was given two loads from & shot gun with buckshot at 50 feet; then after clubbing it on the head the bird had enough vitality to bite severely. All of these statements are confirmed by the sieve-like condition of the skin, the rifle shot across the breast disturbing at least a pound of flesh. It is an immature bird, as indicated by the dark down-coveredneckand head which later becomes yellow and bare; also the imperfect white of the wing linings which later become pure white. The second day after killing the bird weighed 17 pounds. Length, 3 feet, 6 ½ inches; extent 8 feet, 6½ inches;“ting 28½ inches; tail 3½ inches, crop empty.
FRANK S. DAGGETT, Pasadena, Cal.
