PRODUCTIONS: THE LAND OF THE VULTURES

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M.P.Pavese, A. D'Onofrio

SD Cinematografica

30'

16 mm

Spain with its rock formations, steep canyons and vast pasture lands, represents an ideal habitat for vultures. It was here that "Wild Side Of Europe" filmed these griffon vultures during their reconnaissance flights and as they attacked a carcass and began their tumultuous ceremony to establish the order of precedence for dinner. the ritual decides who is the hungriest and therefore has the right to eat first. In its wanderings,"Wild Side Of Europe" met the rare Cinereous vulture and observed it feeding its young and exchanging tender gestures with its mate. The documentary closes with an experiment: a large ostrich egg made of plaster of Paris and filled with giblets is used as bait for the Egyptian vulture. The bird arrives on the scene andimmediately looks for a large stone. The vulture throws it repeatedly against the egg until the shell breaks open. This type of behaviour has caused this species to be called the "intelligent vulture".
The nest hidden in an impenetrable part of a rocky cliff belongs to the peregrine falcon, a fearsome predator that streaks across the endless skies like a prince looking down on his immense dominion.
Unfortunately, the peregrine falcon's life is now threatened by dangerous pesticides that poison the bird's habitual prey. Consequently the calcium in its egg, necessary for the young to grow up healthly and strong, is reduced and reproduction is hindered. As a result, this noble falcon is slowly disappearing from Europe, though the situation is slightly better in the Mediterranean countries, especially Spain and Italy,
We're again faced with the burning problem of the use of chemical products that poison nature and the creatures living in it.