Rapture’s Delight

Fun factoid: The Griffon vulture which is what the paintings is based on, is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey. It is a rare type of vulture eagle, with impressive size and up to a 3 metres wingspan, and is Europe’s second-largest bird. It can be seen majestically soaring on thermal currents searching for food in the warmer, rugged parts of countries that surround the Mediterranean. When vultures fly in circles, they are not waiting for their prey to die but this is not true. Because vultures are large birds, they use thermals (rising hot air) to lift them up and gain height by circling, enabling them to soar for long distances between thermals, rarely having to flap their wings. This is useful because, as carrion-feeders, it is often difficult for them to find food, and by utilising thermals it helps them save energy.

Wonderful to see these birds when we were near Saint Sebastian on holiday earlier this year. We were in a place far beyond any village, on the edge of a cliff, beautiful place. What? Expect to see the vulture in this picture too? No. We saw them in the far far distance, but only realised what they were when we got to the village and asked. Griffon vultures.