Rare sight for birdwatchers as bearded vulture spotted on Howden Moor in Peak District

A bearded vulture has been seen roosting on Howden Moor near Sheffield.

The bird of prey, which is also known as the lammergeier, is one of the largest wild birds ever seen in the UK. The full-grown raptor has a wingspan of almost 3 metres.

Birdwatchers headed to the Peak District National Park over the weekend to catch a glimpse.

Will Bowell justwildimages.blogspot.com Credit: The bearded vulture was spotted over the weekend

It is only the second time a bearded vulture has been seen in the UK. The first was in the Dartmoor area in 2016.

The full-grown raptor has a wingspan of almost three metres Credit: Will Bowell justwildimages.blogspot.com

On Friday 10 July Derbyshire Wildlife Trust urged birdwatchers to keep an eye on the skies at the weekend following sightings of the bird near Sheffield.

Posting to Twitter, the Trust said it believed the bearded vulture originated in either the Alps or the Pyrenees and is touring Europe.