Monday 19 August 2013

RECORD YEAR FOR RÜPPELL’S VULTURE



The first of the photographed birds was “taken” in Villanueva del Fresno, Badajoz on 22 June 2013 by Alfonso Pérez del Barco. It is a different individual to the one seen twice in May, an older bird, perhaps of third or fourth calendar year. (Photo above).


The second photo was taken on 28 June 2013 close to the rubbish tip at Mirabel, Cáceres, by David Álvarez. One of the sightings in May took place here. Although the photos taken then were of poorer quality so a direct comparison is not possible, the field notes taken suggest that two different birds are involved, with a third-year bird in May and a second-year bird (showing no signs of moult) in July (see photo above).

[NOTE: There is still lots of time! Just a few days after posting this note we have been informed of a further record, the fifth this year. Justo Manuel García saw a Rüppell’s Vulture flying alone in the Sierra de Magacela (Badajoz) on 21 August 2013. Will it be the last?]