A Vulture Landscape: Twelve Months in Extremadura

A Vulture Landscape is more than just a book about vultures, in the same way that these majestic flyers are more than just birds. Vultures are a crucial part of many of the world’s ecosystems. Consequently without these specialist environmental cleansers the ecosystems wouldn’t work properly. A calendar year in the lives of these gargantuan raptors is explored as they live, breed, feed and fly with effortless ease across the skies of the vulture landscape that is Extremadura in central Spain.

There are four species of vulture in Europe, and a fifth that is becoming a regular visitor as its own global population plummets. The book explores the serious conservation issues faced on a day-to-day basis by these species. As well as their relatives spread across the globe. Issues that in many cases threaten their very survival. However, this book is also a celebration of the vulture and the landscape in which it reigns.

Using the latest science, his keen eye and his passion for the birds themselves, the author takes the reader on a journey, introducing readers to the vultures, their lives and their landscape. Along the way, much of the other wonderful wildlife of the vulture landscape, are included. From exotic Bee-eaters and bewitching Montagu’s Harriers to rutting Red Stags as well as some very excitable cattle. Ian explains how watching vultures is not only addictive, but that it can often lead to vulture gazing. Surely the most relaxing form of bird watching there is! Readers can enter the world of the vulture, get to know these brilliant birds and learn how they control diseases that threaten us. Discover why some species have bald necks, as well as how they have mastered the art of flying without expending any energy.

About the Author:

Ian Parsons has spent several years living permanently in Extremadura. He now splits his time between his native county of Devon and his beloved vulture landscape. There he leads bird tours introducing people to the birds and the area he clearly loves.