Hunting ban brings birds and joy (2)

I would like to commend the government on its decision to ban spring bird hunting.

The number of morning gunshots ringing out around our village of Għargħur has fallen to a fraction of its normal spring-time levels.

Even more exciting is the fact that, for first time since as far back as many of us can remember, swallows are resting on the wires and flitting around the houses and fields of the village.

In addition to bringing delight to children and adults alike, the swallows are also consuming huge numbers of mosquitoes and sandflies daily, which will lead to safer and more enjoyable outdoor time for all.

And, of course, this is nesting season for birds, so every swallow that survives the next few weeks will mean two or three more swallows by autumn.