I have had a lifelong love for the giant soaring garbage disposals of the sky.
My fascination with birds of prey began long ago, in the early 1980s, when a friend took me up a long, bumpy dirt road into a remote mountain area of Southern California. We traveled up the flanks of Mt. Pinos hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the most magnificent endangered species in North America: the California Condor.
After years of hoping, I finally saw one soaring high above the mountains.
The feeling was unforgettable, euphoric even — but it was tempered by the devastating fact that the California Condor was on the brink of extinction. It was sobering to think there were only 28 California Condors remaining in the world, and their decline was largely caused by human activity.
One of the greatest threats was the pesticide DDT, which had devastating effects on many species but was especially harmful to California Condors. By 1987, only 22 condors remained when The Peregrine Fund began its mission to prevent their extinction.
Thanks to decades of dedicated wildlife conservation efforts from The Peregrine Fund, conservationists, scientists, and communities, California Condors once again soar through the skies of the American West. Their recovery is one of the most inspiring examples of endangered species conservation — but their survival is still fragile.
Protecting California Condors from Today’s Biggest Threat
While the California Condor population has slowly recovered, a new human-caused threat continues to put these incredible birds at risk.
The leading cause of death for California Condors today is lead poisoning from ammunition. Though the sales of these lead-filled bullets could be relatively easily controlled, not enough steps are being taken to make meaningful change. As of April 2026, lead ammunition is legal to sell and purchase in all states except one. The state of California leads the way in this fight, banning the use of all lead ammunition but all the other states have no such ban.
When hunters use lead ammunition, fragments can remain in the remnants of animals left behind in the environment. Condors, which naturally feed on carrion, can unknowingly ingest these toxic fragments. The result is devastating: illness, suffering, and death for these important scavengers.
More than 75 California Condors have died from this preventable threat.
Lead ammunition does not only impact condors. It also threatens other birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and other wildlife species that depend on healthy ecosystems. It can contaminate soil, waterways, and watersheds that provide clean water for both wildlife and people.
We have learned from past environmental mistakes. We banned lead paint because of the dangers it posed. We banned DDT because of its devastating impact on wildlife. Conservation is built on recognizing threats and making changes that protect future generations.
Reducing the use of lead ammunition is another opportunity to protect our environment and the incredible wildlife that shares our planet.
Conservation Through Awareness and Art
The story of the California Condor reminds us that conservation works — but only when people care enough to take action.
At Art With Impact Gallery, we believe art has the power to inspire connection, awareness, and meaningful change. Through wildlife art and conservation-focused artwork, we celebrate the beauty of endangered species while supporting organizations dedicated to protecting them.
Every California Condor, eagle, and bird of prey deserves the chance to continue soaring across our skies.
The giant flying garbage disposals of the sky are counting on us.
— CC Wari