International birdwatchers flock to Malta raptor camp

A total of 52 volunteers from eight countries have joined Maltese conservationists to monitor bird migration and illegal hunting during Birdlife Malta's raptor camp over the next three weeks.

The international bird monitoring camp will run through the peak migration of birds of prey, until October 4.

While recording migration data, raptor camp volunteers will also remain vigilant for illegal hunting and trapping activities and they will relay information to the police on any illegal hunting activities.

Birdife said it did not oppose hunting in autumn as long as it is practiced within the parameters of the law.

Maltese hunters can legally shoot 32 species from September 1 until the end of January. Between September 15 and 30 hunting after 3 p.m. is banned to protect birds of prey from poaching.

During this period, large numbers of these birds stop to rest in Malta during their journey to Africa, and are thus vulnerable to poacher's guns. In recent years they have also been targeted by poachers at night while they sleep, Birdlife said.

Andre Raine, BLM conservation manager said: "Since the beginning of migration two weeks ago, we have once again started to witness illegal hunting and receive shot protected birds of several species from bee-eaters and seabirds to herons, including a Purple Heron - a species of conservation concern in Europe."

The aim of the camp is to stop the illegal killing of protected species and not all hunting in Malta. Birdwatchers and the Maltese have every right to enjoy the migration season just as law-abiding hunters have the right to enjoy their hobby, Dr Raine said.

The European Court of Justice decided last Thursday Malta had breached EU regulations when it allowed spring hunting between 2004 and 2007.