Rare bone-crunching vulture spotted at Beachy Head

A rare bone-crunching bearded vulture was spotted at Beachy Head on Wednesday (October 14).
SUS-200807-122940001SUS-200807-122940001
SUS-200807-122940001

The bird, also called a lammergeier, is normally found in Alpine regions - 800 miles away.

With an 8ft wingspan, the bird is quite the sight - causing many bird enthusiasts to race across the country to see it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The bird has been touring the UK the last few months, with sightings in Sheffield, Derbyshire, and the West Midlands.

Andreas Wessel-Therhorn saw the bearded vulture flying with a flock of birds at Beachy Head SUS-201015-155950001Andreas Wessel-Therhorn saw the bearded vulture flying with a flock of birds at Beachy Head SUS-201015-155950001
Andreas Wessel-Therhorn saw the bearded vulture flying with a flock of birds at Beachy Head SUS-201015-155950001

The Vulture Conservation Foundation carried out genetic analysis of the bird’s feathers to find out more about its identity.

From two feathers collected in the Peak District in Yorkshire, it was found that this vulture - now nicknamed Vigo - is a female born in 2019.

She hatched from a wild nest, and has come from the French Alps.