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IN THIS ISSUE ■ Saving Europe’s vultures - Starting back in the 1970s with a dream to bring Bearded Vulture back to the Alps, today the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) works to protect all of Europe’s vulture species – Bearded, Cinereous, Egyptian and Griffon. VCF President Hans Pohlman explains the charity’s aims and why it’s needed, looks at some of the conservation projects and shares a few success stories. ■ Lost and found: Africa - Across the planet, poorly known species shrouded in mystery may be known from just one specimen or sighting. Some may never have existed; others could be rediscovered and some already have been. In the latest in our series, Sam Jones takes a look at some African enigmas. ■ White to Wight - Centuries ago, White-tailed Eagle was widespread along the south coast of England. A reintroduction project by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation is bringing this iconic raptor back to the Isle of Wight. Programme co-ordinator Tim Mackrill talks about the scheme’s history and hopes for the future. ■ Take the crane - With their elaborate courtship dances, evocative bugling calls and dramatic gatherings on migration and in winter, cranes have a unique appeal among birders. The default species in Europe is Common Crane, but the much more range-restricted Demoiselle is possible, and there’s the outside chance of a vagrant Sandhill Crane. Dominic Mitchell takes a closer look at this elegant trio. Plus: more thought-provoking comment from columnists Dominic Mitchell, Peter Alfrey & Lucy McRobert, our latest photo challenge, the team at BirdGuides provides round-ups of September’s birding highlights from Britain, Ireland and the wider Western Palearctic, news, views and reviews, tips and advice on building your birding skills and knowledge and your questions answered by our expert panel.