Egyptian vulture spotted in Co Roscommon on New Year’s Eve

An Egyptian vulture has been sighted in the south Roscommon area. The vulture was initially observed on the morning of New Year's Eve by the National Parks and Wildlife Services warden for Lough Rea and the Mid-Shannon Callows in the area, Owen Murphy.

Mr Murphy noticed the bird had an unusual flight pattern d and upon closer examination, identified him as an Egyptian vulture.

The first recorded sighting of this bird species took place in the north of the country over the summer, however it cannot be determined if this is the same vulture, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said in a statement on Saturday.

This adult Egyptian vulture appears to be alone and the reason for the vulture’s arrival to Irish shores from his native habitat is unclear, it added.

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"The Egyptian vulture has made a stir in Irish birdwatching circles with a number of people travelling from many parts of Ireland to see it and many more arranging to travel today," it said.

The Lough Ree area is rated as the most important site for Breeding Waterbirds in a report published this year for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the Shannon Callows also being rated highly.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has stressed that the Egyptian vulture does not pose a threat to the public or to livestock.