News

Birdwatchers have reported seeing a giant vulture with a wingspan of nearly 4metres in the skies over East Kent, and reports suggest the bird could be in the Shepway area. 

It has been spotted in Thanet and, more recently, in the countryside between Folkestone and Ashford.

The African White-backed Vulture is thought to have escaped from Blackbrook Zoological Park near Leek in Staffordshire in the summer. 

Staff believe the bird called Bones, which stands at 30in (76cm) high, is living off road kill.

Malcolm Mycock, curator, said they were hoping to catch the five-year-old in the winter when it is less active and perches on lower ground. Bones, which has a wingspan of about 11ft, is said not to be aggressive, but anyone who spots the bird is advised not to try to catch him. 

Any reported sightings can be made to the RSPB.