Shot flamingo doing well save complications

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.