A giant vulture with a six foot wingspan has been seen soaring over the Norfolk countryside.Experts say the bird, which is believed to have flown north from Spain, is the latest in a string of Mediterranean species flocking to Britain.
A giant vulture with a six-foot wingspan has been seen soaring over the Norfolk countryside.
Experts say the bird, believed to have flown north from Spain, is the latest in a string of Mediterranean species to flock to Britain.
Graham Appleton, of the Thetford-based British Trust for Ornithology, said last night that the Egyptian vulture was logged three times by birdwatchers on Saturday, April 28. He added: "It was seen in central Norfolk, Wells and Fakenham on the same day.
"There hasn't been a previous record of an Egyptian vulture since 1958. They are large birds, and normally we wouldn't get them in this country because they are dependent on thermals.
"Other vultures turned up in different parts of the country at the same time. It's difficult to know whether they were different birds or the same one."
Mr Appleton said that, despite its
size, the vulture would not pose a threat to pets or livestock.
"Vultures eat carrion," he said. "They clean up the countryside."
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