Shot flamingo doing well save complications
Photo: BirdLife.
The flamingo shot at earlier this month is recovering after it was nurtured at Għadira Nature Reserve, Mellieħa.
However, BirdLife said there was still the danger of relapse because of lead poisoning if there are any pellets lodged in the wounds sustained by the bird. The flamingo had left the reserve for a brief period of time and on its return it was noted that it had injuries to its head, neck and chest. BirdLife said the injuries were compatible with gunshot.
Further examination of the bird in flight at the nature reserve the following morning confirmed that the bird had in fact been shot as there was also prominent damage to the feathers of its right wing, BirdLife added.
It said it will continue to monitor the bird's behaviour and health and if any signs of weakening were noticed personnel would attempt to cure it. Nature reserve warden Charles Gauci said one had to be very careful on how to proceed in such cases in order not to scare the bird and expose it to any unnecessary danger.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Petrol price up 6c
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
5 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Antoine Grima
Oct 23rd 2008, 22:03
I am a hunter and i'd like to say , shame on whoever shot at this protected bird . Hope it recovers and be strong enough to carry on with it's migration .
Ray Gatt
Jun 9th 2011, 15:54
Well written Mr. Grima. Now what about all the other birds. Don't they deserve to be flying freely?
Richard Cachia Zammit
Oct 23rd 2008, 20:07
@Joe Camilleri
Well I'm starting to have difficulties to distinguish between the two of them judging from the postings on this web site. Take for instance yourself.....you could have easily said what you had to say and at the same time include a sentence to condemn the act of whoever shot at this bird. But nothing. Makes one wonder.
Joe Camilleri
Oct 23rd 2008, 15:25
@ Richard Cachia Zammit
please make a distinction between POACHERS and HUNTERS. A quick look at the oxford dictionary will easily tell you the difference.
So, as always, Mr Perici Calascione was right.
Richard Cachia Zammit
Oct 23rd 2008, 11:00
And Mr Perici Calascione said that without hunters there would be less birds.
I was at Ghadira yesterday and school children were watching this big bird in awe. Let’s just hope that the flamingo makes a full recovery.