Vulture missing from Settle is found in Brighton (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Vulture missing from Settle is found in Brighton

5:03pm Monday 17th August 2009 in News

A VULTURE named Dumb that went missing from a Settle falconry centre more than two weeks ago has been found on the south coast of England.

The bird was located in Brighton on Monday after being blown off course during a display at the Yorkshire Dales Falconry and Conservation Centre on July 18.

Dumb was found resting in a tree being harassed by the local seagulls – local accounts on previous days imply a similar treatment by crows.

He was tempted from his perch after five hours by falconers from Huxley’s Birds of Prey Centre, who waited patiently after offering him dead chicks.

“It’s the most incredible story. Brighton is five hours drive away.

"We’re over the moon to have him back,” said Carol Petrie of the falconry and conservation centre.

The centre is still awaiting news of Dumb’s mate Dumber, which was also blown off course during a display at the centre in April.