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Back to Vulture Tracking in South Africa
October 2007.

Graham with the team from the Hawk Conservancy In October 2007 Graham travelled to Kimberley in South Africa, joining a team from The Hawk Conservancy to take part in a conservation scheme for White-Backed Vultures. Among the tasks during the 10 day trip was the tagging of a number of vultures to be monitored over the coming years. Before being released the birds were also measured, weighed and a blood sample taken.
The other job the team tackled was constructing a walkway leading to where the vultures are fed. The benefit of this was to allow people to visit the area and watch the vultures with minimal disturbance to their natural behaviour. This trip was part of Gauntlet's long term commitment to conservation and in particular is connected to the Asian Vulture Appeal and the conservation project at Changa Manga in Pakistan.
Below is a selection of pictures from the trip.

Once the nest has been located Graham climbs the ladder, taking with him a bag to lower the young vulture down in. Graham climbs ladder to nest
A rare and privileged view inside the nest of an African White-Backed Vulture. Wild African White Backed Vulture in nest
High up in the tree, Graham prepares to get the bird out of the nest and into the bag. Graham prepares to handle vulture
Once safely down on the ground the vulture is carefully and expertly handled to minimize any stress. Vulture is inspected
Graham holds the vulture ready for the leg and wing tags to be attached. Vulture being prepared for tagging
The metal ring is secured to the vulture's leg, that will remain on the bird for life. Ring is attached to vulture's leg
The final stage is to attach yellow wing tags, enabling easy identification and also take a blood sample. Wing tag is attached to vulture
Graham also got to ring a young Martial Eagle. He had been watching the nest for several days and was convinced that the pair were feeding a youngster. He persuaded the team to check it out and sure enough there was a nearly fully fledged Martial Eagle! Graham holds young Martial Eagle
Graham was given the honor of releasing a rescued Flamingo back to the lake where a healthy population of Flamingos are thriving in a specially protected area. Graham holds Flamingo

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