Condors On The Coast

is a stunning photography exhibit by Daniel Bianchetta currently on display at the Big Sur Lodge, in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Daniel Bianchetta’s work is appreciated by area naturalists as the “quintessential expression of human awe of these incredible giants of the sky,” according to PelicanNetwork.  More than 40 of Bianchetta's works grace the interior of the Lodge's Lobby, Fireside Lounge, and Dinning Room.  In exquisite flight, reposing in cliffside arbors and feasting on Orca-killed sea lions, the many aspects of Condor's coastal behavior are shown in the photos.

“This is the work of an extraordinary artist who has a special connection with a rare species,” observed René Robles, Big Sur Lodge General Manager.   “We are excited to celebrate this magnificent effort with Daniel’s breathtaking photography.” Bianchetta’s home and studio are close to the heart of the condor re-introduction area. He has been photographing over two decades primarily in the color photographic process.  His sensitive eye finds him creating deeply moving and emotional images of the Big Sur Coastline,
 
A highlight of the exhibit was the reception on the evening of September 27th, hosted by Heller Estates Winery of Carmel Valley. Joe Burnett, Senior Biologist of Ventana Wildlife Society, talked about the condor re-introduction project at the reception (VWS is the only non-government managed condor re-introduction project in the country). Photographs from the exhibit are on sale to benefit the Ventana Wildlife Society.

The California Condor, the ancient bird, the largest in North America, has excited the world’s wonder.  Big Sur is the heart of this wondrous bird's remarkable re-introduction to the wild. Not long ago Condors were on the brink of extinction. In the mid-1980s the last condors were captured in the wild, bred in captivity and then successfully re-introduced to the wild.

The exhibition will be on display through November 2007.