Full Breakdown
California Condor B9 Marks First Free Flight in Oregon Since 1904
6/2/2026, 11:35:54 PM
First Free Flight in Oregon: B9’s Four-Day, 380-Mile Journey
On May 12-16 2026, California condor B9 (studbook 1268) flew from Orick, California, across the Trinity Alps, entered southern Oregon near Medford, then returned via Cave Junction and Brookings. The 380-mile loop is the first free-flying condor in Oregon since a bird was seen near Drain in 1904.
Background: Condor Recovery and Yurok Tribe Program
California condors fell to 22 individuals in the 1980s and entered a captive-breeding program. A multi-agency recovery effort, led by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has reintroduced birds into the wild. The Yurok Tribe’s Northern California Condor Restoration Program began releases in 2022 and now manages 23 wild birds that have passed health checks. The program operates in partnership with Redwood National and State Parks.
Data & Statistics
B9 covered 380 mi in four days, averaging 100 mi per day and flying 80 mi within Oregon. The flight expanded the NCCRP range 25 mi north and 35 mi east. Condors can soar up to 250 mi per day under optimal conditions. The NCCRP wild cohort includes 23 individuals.
Why It Matters
The excursion shows the historic range now includes southern Oregon, confirming that released juveniles are exploring beyond natal habitats. This behavior signals the program’s viability and suggests more birds may follow, moving toward a self-sustaining population in the Pacific Northwest.
Official Statements & Responses
Yurok Wildlife Department Director Tiana Williams-Claussen said the tribe expected an Oregon crossing and welcomed the milestone. National Park Service superintendent Leonel Arguello called the flight evidence of restoration. Oregon Zoo director Heidi Rahn noted the sight fulfills a long-held state aspiration. Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife director Debbie Colbert stressed importance of future Oregon residency. NCCRP manager Chris West explained that juvenile condors typically undertake extensive exploratory flights before establishing home ranges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She flew almost 100 miles per day,” Williams Claussen said, ”which means she was really utilizing the landscape the way that only a condor can, really taking advantage of those mountains and riverways that give good flight corridors.” — Tiana Williams-Claussen, Yurok Wildlife Department Director
- “It’s been a dream for many Oregonians to see a California condor soar over our state again, and B9’s journey has made that dream real,” — Heidi Rahn, Oregon Zoo Director
- “Condors will travel long distances to find new habitat and we knew they would make it into Oregon eventually,” added Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife Director Debbie Colbert.” — Debbie Colbert, Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife Director
- “Young birds, like B9, explore more extensively than adults, which typically remain within a home range established during their juvenile stage. Most likely, B9’s excursion was an exploratory flight to see what’s around her,” — Chris West, NCCRP Manager
What’s Next
The Yurok Tribe plans to release additional condors this summer to broaden the species’ range further north. Monitoring will focus on repeat Oregon incursions and on whether a successful chick emerges from the 2026 nest attempt in the next breeding season.
