Heatwaves in Belgium attract birds of prey from South Europe, North Africa

By Omer Tugrul Cam

BRUSSELS (AA) – Heatwaves in Belgium have attracted birds of prey from South Europe and North Africa to the country.

The temperature over 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) in Belgium, a country usually known for its cool and rainy climate, has also affected the wildlife.

The independent voluntary association that has 133,000 members said in a statement on Tuesday that they observed birds of prey rarely seen in Belgium, with a wingspan up to three meters (9.8 feet), including griffon vultures and bearded vultures.

This is due to the warm temperature after cool weather and the southeasterly winds, it added.

"Large birds of prey also make good use of this to gain height without much energy and then glide further," the statement read.

The Natuurpunt association expects those birds to "most likely return to the south in the short term," as they will fail to "find a suitable breeding area or enough food."

*Writing by Nur Asena Erturk in Ankara