The rare Egyptian vulture has been spotted in Co Roscommon. The male vulture has been identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Services warden Owen Murphy on Friday at Lough Rea area.
Murphy noticed the unusual flight pattern of the bird and upon closer examination, identified him as an Egyptian vulture.
The vulture appears to be an adult and alone. The exact reasons for its travel to Ireland is still unknown.
An Egyptian vulture was first spotted in Ireland last summer in the northern area. But it is unclear that whether the one in Roscommon area is the same vulture that was spotted in summer.
Lough Rea area is a known place for the breeding of water birds. Many bird watchers are visiting the area to see the Egyptian vulture.