31 August 2017

Good numbers of Eurasian Griffon Vultures - Tanoumah Park

Tanoumah Park in southwest Saudi Arabia is positioned along the edge of the main escarpment of the Asir mountains and has very step cliffs for the Eurasian Griffon Vultures to roost on and to fly along. The birds can be seen flying over, below you as well as at eye level at this site and excellent views of many birds in the air together can be had. We had good views of up to ten Eurasian Griffon Vultures flying over. This species is declining rapidly, with this location probably the best site in the Kingdom for seeing this species. The species is an uncommon, resident breeder, in the mountains of western Saudi Arabia with a few scarce records elsewhere in the Kingdom. In the Eastern Province where I live it is a vagrant with six records of seven birds but none have been seen in recent years.
Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures

Eurasian Griffon Vultures