Publio Danny Rosso, Sliema
Educated people should know better
I refer to Tolga Temuge's letter (April 24) in defence of BirdLife Malta and of André Raine following the contribution by Mark Mifsud Bonnici (April 8).
I note the scrutiny of the scientific studies by BirdLife and also the vast experience of Dr Raine. I also note and commend Dr Raine's academic achievements. However, I have to say that all this perplexes me when I read statements and claims made by BirdLife.
Without reserving my condemnation of illegal hunting, why do BirdLife make generic statements about hunting in Malta, quoting exaggerated numbers - in millions - of birds shot over Malta?
Worst of all, why is this fiction fed to the foreign media and sensationalised by, among other ways, putting up billboards during international football matches, all in an attempt to put pressure on the government by hurting the tourist industry and jeopardising the jobs of so many?
Why do BirdLife use artistic photographs to play on the emotions of the public and make fallacious statements, such as the recent photograph of two collard doves mating, something that has been happening for years, and claiming that this is a result of the ban on spring hunting?
Why is it that BirdLife do not admit and state that abolishing spring hunting for turtle doves and quails in Malta is tantamount to abolishing hunting altogether? BirdLife know very well that the number of turtle doves and quails shot over Malta is negligible, especially when compared to the thousands shot in other European member states. BirdLife should know that spring hunting for turtle doves and quails in Malta does not affect the population of these species.
Why do BirdLife claim that autumn is an acceptable alternative? What is referred to as the autumn season and claimed to be an alternative to spring is actually only the first week of September. The species are hardly ever seen outside this window and, except for very rare occasions, the species are only seen scarcely and in limited areas of the islands. In fact, the vast majority of the Maltese hunters do not manage to bag one single bird during this period.
Anyone who claims that spring hunting for turtle doves and quails in Malta affects the population of these birds or that autumn is an acceptable alternative does so out of ignorance, bias or simply deceit.
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joseph lia
May 1st 2009, 17:01
Indeed well written Mr Rosso! Time and again BLM have resorted to exxaggerated spins and mis-interpretation of facts. One notices nowadays that the 'millions' have all but withered to a few hundreds, to date this (closed) spring passage of turtledoves and quail has only yielded 2 or 3 moderately good passage. When decent flocks of turtledoves where sighted, these passed overhead high up in the sky, out of gunshot (even camera shot!!!). This HAPPENS every time good weather fronts hit Malta and has been the NORM of every migration for centuries. Hence hundreds of birds hardly notice us, therefore automatically making spring hunting completely sustainable, as has transpired for ages! As a foot note illegal/poaching activities MUST be stopped.
Steven Brockwell
May 1st 2009, 12:50
it was said that due to Spain planting vast amounts of olive trees, the quail population suffered since olive trees drain the land and reduce the growth of grass and food to feed quails. so shall we all stop buying olive oil ???? to save the quails. go on bird life tell the Spanish to stop their exports and loose money at the same time ???
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
May 1st 2009, 10:54
Very well written Mr Rosso. Readers who really want to see the truth will realise that BirdLife are leading a deceitful campaign. Rest assured Sir that Mr Temuge and Co will not bother to answer your letter. When faced with facts, they invariably shy away. My direct questions to Mr Temuge's letter which you refer to, have been left unanswered!
Mr Tolga Temuge, I take the opportunity to again remind you that readers and myself are still awaiting your reply to questions I posted to your letter! If indeed your organisation does not have a hidden agenda, respectable persons invariably answer questions put to them!
Joe Camilleri
May 1st 2009, 10:30
Sometimes Birdlife Malta stoops so low that when they reach the bottom, they make another hole to stoop lower. The lastest one is news featured yesterday
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090430/local/fkny-threatened-with-legal-action-over-bird-ringing
This news should have been featured on the 1st of April, as APRIL FOOL.
Franco Farrugia
May 1st 2009, 10:14
Mr Rosso, in his infinite wisdom, should realise that hunting, in whatever form it takes and whenever it takes place, is a so-called 'sport' aimed, literally, at killing birds. This, for many people, is unacceptable. We have to respect life, not treat it as dirt just to please our troglodyte fancies.