The vulture can come home....

The Saudis have decided the bird is not to be tried for espionage...

Authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that they are ready to release the vulture being held under suspicions of spying for Israel, Israel Radio reported Sunday.

Bandar bin Saud, the Saudi nature authority, was quoted to Arabic language news daily that there is no truth behind claims that the bird was linked to espionage. Rather, there was a mix-up concerning a tracking device that had been placed on the bird.

Saud added that Saudi Arabia uses similar tracking devices to follow rare birds.

Speaking on behalf of the the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, director Dan Alon said that he was filled with joy to hear of the bird's release, and added that tracking the bird's movement will greatly aid in defended endangered species in the future.