For centuries, the Pyrenean farmers of Spain lived in symbiotic harmony with Gyps fulvus, the magnificent griffon vulture. Wheeling over their flocks and fields, the birds were seen as neither a threat nor even a nuisance, but as a vital part of the ecosystem.

For when farmers had to dispose of an animal carcass, they simply took it to one of the hundreds of "maladares", carcass dumps, scattered across the mountains. There, the vultures would gather to do their work. It was a system that benefited both man and bird.

But, prompted largely by the BSE crisis in the late Nineties, the eurocrats of Brussels decided to ban this age-old system. This has caused a crisis for the vultures, which are flying to new areas in search of food.

So far, they have got as far as northern mainland Europe - indeed, as far as Finland. It is unlikely they will come here, says Grahame Madge, as they hate flying over large bodies of water.

I think man is threath to everything, not vultures ;I

miss you, michellezm

Aaah, alanocu, my favourite clipper, how kind of you. I have missed you and Dorine and Invitus and Clipmarks et al.

Silly of me to have let W & R get under my skin, but I was at a weak point both physically and emotionally. But, here's the thing, I will not be cowered by bullies. I'm back and looking forward to reading and popping your great clips alanocu - the sweetest clippy on Clipmarks. Give yourself a thorough hugging from me!

Hurray!!! Michelle's back! I missed you, too! Hugs from me!

And from me to you too Dorine. Thanks