Rare bird of prey found at airbase six days after being blown away
A RARE bird of prey has been found at an airbase - six days after he was blown away by a gust of wind.
The vulture has been reunited with his owner
Arthur the white-headed vulture had last been seen during the last week's Royal Bath and West Show in Somerset, where he was part of a display.
Today the vulture has been reunited with his owner Ben Potter after he appeared at the Fleet Air Arm base RNAS Yeovilton, perching on a tree outside the station's perimeter.
Before that Arthur was seen on numerous occasions, but he had finally stood long enough to be caught by the Bird Control Unit's experts, who were alarmed by Air Traffic Control.
Mr Potter, who is Head Falconer from the Birds of Prey Display Team in Scotch Corner, Yorkshire, said he was glad to have Arthur back.
He said: "I have had Arthur for 12 tears and he is a really important part of the team. He is a white headed vulture and red list endangered which is just about scarce as you can get.
"Our display team allows us to raise funds and maintain a breeding programme the keep endangered birds of prey like Arthur with us for future generations."
Ben Potter was glad to have his vulture back
The bird was caught by Bird Control Unit's personnel
Mr Potter explained that he has lost his vulture before, but never for such long period of time.
We are very happy to see him safely returned
He went on to explain that Arthur can be easily attracted by a piece of meat.
Arthur was securely kept at the BCU sanctuary where he was fed and checked after being caught by Falconers Jim Pitcher and Nat Cole.
White-headed vulture is an endangered specie
Nat Cole said: "Arthur is a little bigger than I'm used to and was very hungry but clearly nervous when I approached him. Fortunately falconry skills are the same despite the size difference.
"We are very happy to see him safely returned."
The white-headed vulture is a native specie to Africa and its wing-span can reach seven and a half feet.