Escaped vulture spotted near home

Wee Man the vulture escaped from the centre on Saturday

A vulture with an 8ft wingspan which escaped from a rescue centre in Aberdeenshire has been spotted in a tree nearby.

The rare African white-backed vulture - known as Wee Man - broke free during a feeding session near Huntly.

The three-year-old bird has now been seen about 30ft up a tree close to the bird of prey centre.

Staff now hope to lure Wee Man - who feeds on dead animals - back down to safety.

It was feared he may have travelled a long distance already in search of food.

Owner Jeff Downie told the BBC Scotland news website: "He's quite a friendly bird but will be quite scared."

Mr Downie said of Saturday's escape: "He was flying for his food when he got away. It's very unfortunate."

He explained: "Wee Man could go for about a week without food. He would not have a clue what to do. He's not an attacking bird."