The Bearded Vulture

This Bearded Vulture, also known as the lammergeier has taken up temporary residence in the Peak District National Park. It is thought to have travelled up from the French Alps. The species is one of the largest raptors in Europe and unfortunately the rarest. This is only the second sighting in the UK in recent history. This particular one, a juvenile, possibly a male, has a wing span of approximately 3m. This is twice the size of the oft seen Brown Buzzard. It is thought to be a wild hatched bird, the result of a successful release and breading program. Although it looks fearsome it is a scavenger, feeding almost entirely on bones. It's name, Lammergeier, translates as Lamb Killer. A tragic case of misinformation that resulted in their persecution almost to extinction.