Migrating Birds Shot After Arriving In Malta Due To Storms, Says Birdlife

BirdLife Malta has said that Sunday’s storms over the Mediterranean led to a major bird-fall event, bringing large numbers of migrating birds to the Maltese Islands as they headed south towards Africa.

In a statement published on Monday 14 September, the organisation said birdwatchers recorded large flocks of different species throughout the night and into Monday morning, including herons, European Turtle-doves, European Rollers, Golden Orioles and Lesser Kestrels. It added that the islands also saw the usual migration of birds of prey, including harriers and buzzards.

BirdLife Malta said it received numerous reports from members of the public about alleged illegal hunting, including a shooting incident near Żurrieq that was reported to district police.

The organisation also said a Grey Heron with shotgun injuries was found inside the boundaries of Malta International Airport.

The group claimed that more than 150 Little Egrets were targeted inland of St Thomas Bay, with at least two birds shot and killed. It also reported sightings of injured birds, including a European Bee-eater in Wardija, a Night Heron flying from Miżieb with an injured leg, and a Grey Heron near Marsaskala.

BirdLife Malta said the Wild Birds Regulation Unit later closed the Turtle-dove season after the autumn quota of 500 birds was reportedly reached.

However, the organisation claimed that further hunting continued, with its teams reporting additional incidents involving shot birds in several areas.

BirdLife Malta’s Head of Conservation Nicholas Barbara criticised what he described as weak enforcement during peak migration periods and called for more resources for the Environmental Protection Unit.

The organisation also urged the public to report any suspected illegal hunting incidents to the police on 119 and to BirdLife Malta.

#MaltaDaily