Strange birds?
 

Yesterday afternoon at about 2pm, we had a flock of some 200 birds start circling above our house and a nearby river.


They look like some kind of bird-of-prey but I don't recognise them or have I ever seem them in such large numbers.

After about 45 minutes they took flight (ha, ha) over the mountains some 10Kms away.

Any one any idea what they were and whether it's normal for them to flock in such large numbers?

Re: Strange birds?
 

Aren't they Griffon vultures?

Re: Strange birds?
 

my OH's first instinct was some kind of vulture, too!

Re: Strange birds?
 

Yep yep

Re: Strange birds?
 

We were out sunbathing this spring, and I opened my eyes to see 7 of them less than 10 metres up, in a tight circle over us checking us out, but as soon as they saw me move, they flew off disappointed.

Re: Strange birds?
 

The one centre left is standing on lunch.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...P4120013-1.jpg

Re: Strange birds?
 

Thanks all.

Are they normally seen in such vast numbers?

Re: Strange birds?
 

Yuk, I don't like vultures. No idea if they congregate in large numbers.

I prefer Storks!;)

Re: Strange birds?
 

Griffon vultures go South for their winter holidays and can be seen in large numbers crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.

What you saw was possibly a group on it's migratory route.

I have seen groups out looking for food but usually in flocks of less than twenty.
However once food is located especially if it is large, say a cow, then many birds can congregate. The photo I posted was part of a group of maybe 100 birds on the ground.

Re: Strange birds?
 

Lucky you hadn't dropped off to sleep.
They'd probably have had you for breakfast. :eek: ;)

Re: Strange birds?
 

Naaahh, the snoring would have put them off.