An Egyptian vulture has been sighted in the south Roscommon area.
The male bird was first observed yesterday morning by Owen Murphy, the National Parks and Wildlife Services warden for Lough Rea and the Mid-Shannon Callows.
Mr Murphy noticed the bird had an unusual flight pattern, and after making closer examinations, identified him as an Egyptian vulture.
An Egyptian vulture was spotted flying over Co Donegal last July, the first recorded sighting of the species in the country, but it is not clear if the vulture seen in Roscommon is the same bird.
The vulture seen in Roscommon is an adult, and appears to be on his own.
It is not known why the bird has travelled to Ireland from its native habitat.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has said the Lough Ree area was rated as the most important site for Breeding Waterbirds in a report published this year for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the Shannon Callows also being rated highly.
It said the area boosts large numbers of Red and Amber listed species with 'rarities' popping up on occasion.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service are keen to stress that the Egyptian vulture does not pose a threat to the public or to livestock.
