Injured Western Marsh Harrier Rescued From Qammieħ Cliffs

An injured Western Marsh Harrier has been rescued from an inaccessible area near the Qammieħ cliffs in Mellieħa after members of the public alerted rangers to the bird.

According to the rangers, the bird was found hiding below the pathway leading down to Ras il-Qammieħ, with what appeared to be a broken wing.

The area is part of a Natura 2000 site, which is designated for environmental protection.

Fortunately, rangers were already in the area and were able to reach the bird and retrieve it using rescue equipment.

The equipment was purchased last year with support from Fabio Spiteri and his fundraiser, Project100.

Following the rescue, the Western Marsh Harrier was taken to BirdLife Malta, where a government veterinarian is expected to carry out X-rays to establish the cause of its injury.

The rescue comes amid ongoing concerns about poaching during the bird migration season.

The rangers also highlighted concerns about the Environmental Protection Unit's staffing and equipment, calling for greater action against illegal hunting. They noted that Gozo currently has no Environmental Protection Unit police officers.

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Credit: Malta Ranger Unit