May I refer to the news article Two Flamingos Shot at Marsascala (September 16).

I would like to thank the writer for his article outlining the action taken by the administrative law enforcement unit of the Malta Police Force against illegal bird-hunting.

Unfortunately there seem to be quarters in the islands that are actively adding to the hunters' shameful deeds by spreading one-sided information to foreign sources, thus further tarnishing the country's image. The German Society for Nature Conservation Nabu - BirdLife Malta's German BirdLife partner - in the foreword of the latest edition of its quarterly magazine distributed to its over 400,000 members deplores the fact that - according to information from BirdLife Malta - the poaching of migratory birds is continuing unabated regardless of strict EU directives now also applying for Malta. According to BirdLife (Malta) sources hundreds of honey buzzards were slaughtered on the date of EU accession.

On its website Nabu has recently made an appeal to join and support BirdLife Malta's annual raptor camps as a means to prevent flocks of honey buzzards, marsh harriers, ospreys and other birds of prey from still getting illegally shot. The birders/camp participants, as the PR puts it, are working closely with the local police units.

Is it by mere chance that no article can be found in either Nabu's magazine or on its website giving a comprehensive picture of the illegal bird hunting and the law enforcement situation in Malta?

As a German citizen regularly visiting Malta and at the same time a member of Nabu, I find it very amazing that a Maltese NGO "working closely" with the police should not take any interest in passing a balanced picture to its foreign partner which - for the financial support of the same Maltese NGO - is collecting money from German households.

BirdLife Malta, the police are doing their share in fighting illegal bird hunting. A tremendous one. What about yours?