Beauties and the beasts
One of the little egrets that recently successfully bred in Malta for the first time has been shot and killed. A witness said the bird was killed while flying near the Salina salt pans.
Another survived the gunshot though it has a lot of feathers missing from one of its wings.
This is the first year when four young egrets fletched successfully. They bred on top of a large aviary at the Malta Bird Park.
A grey heron, which for the past week had made the bird park its home, and which was often seen flying with the egrets, was also shot on Friday.
Egrets and herons are strictly protected species, not to mention that bird hunting is currently prohibited.
In 2007, a pair of egrets had built a nest and laid three eggs and in 2008 another pair had built a nest, but none were successful as the adults were shot.
This picture shows the female with one of the young and an adult sporting several missing wing feathers.
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Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Aug 1st 2010, 13:54
Victor Falzon, I assure you that BirdLife are indeed worried with what actually happened. Since you are not in the know regarding the matter, you have absolutely no right to state how BLM are feeling about your presumptuous statements! This is not wishful thinking as you chose to describe it but FACTUAL! It appears that BLM have not satisfied your curiosity. Tough luck! Furthermore, please check your accusations. I have never stated: "great heinous crime that BirdLife has perpetrated". Actually, I stated: "I have proof of an illegal activity coming from your side." Your irresponsible, untruthful and presumptuous writing leaves much to be desired, Sir!!!!
I again urge you to ask BirdLife to enlighten you about this illegality. Since you stated you are a member, they are duty-bound to inform you!!
V Falzon
Aug 1st 2010, 00:24
BirdLife red-faced? You wish! BirdLife has nothing to hide. On the contrary it is proud of all its achievements, and eager to achieve more in future. Much to your and your gun-toting buddies' chagrin, I am sure. And I am proud to be a member of that movement too.
Meanwhile, as you very well know, my challenge stands clear and unequivocal: I defy you to expose this great heinous crime that BirdLife has perpetrated. But of course you will not, because it is all a figment of your imagination.
My first name, incidentally, is Victor. You call me an ANTI.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jul 29th 2010, 19:05
V Falzon,
I am sure that BLM are red-faced with your behaviour. They are fully aware of what I am referring to! Where has your "challenge" gone?! And where have your manners gone?! Using first names now while hiding yours?! Isthi jekk taf kif! Meanwhile, I reiterate that amongst the antis you form part of, there are individuals who have acted illegally, and these are recorded!
V Falzon
Jul 29th 2010, 15:44
@ Sylvana
Curiosity you say? Nothing of the sort, I am simply calling your bluff, and you prove me right with every lame excuse you trot out. It is not my curiosity you satisfy, madam. Rather, seeing you flap about in all your fairy-tale crimes is prime comedy to me and other readers.
Keep up the show (and the myriad exclamation marks) please.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jul 29th 2010, 10:47
V Falzon, I did not make an allegation BUT I have proof in my possession!!! Far from chickening out, and since I have proof, no mud-slinging is required. Since you do not want to verify what I have stated with BLM, you will have to put up with your curiosity!! I have exposed this illegality both with BLM and the Malta Police Hence, your "challenge" is not worth a penny!!
Priscilla Coleiro, in YOUR opinion, hunting is "bloodsports"! In MY opinion, it is a traditional pastime enjoyed by many law-abiding hunters! Sorry to disappoint you but I will keep on writing and defending these co-citizens' rights, whether it is to your liking or not!
V Falzon
Jul 28th 2010, 19:13
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
And so - as i expected - you chickened out. By sending me to ask here and there, you failed miserably to live up to your "truthful and credible" boast. I asked YOU and I challenged YOU because YOU made the allegation. And by calling me Peeping Tom and Mr Nobody and throwing proverbs at me does not help your credibility one single bit.
My challenge still stands. I am waiting for you to "expose" this BirdLife crime.
priscilla coleiro
Jul 28th 2010, 17:40
@sylvana
Why don't you give up trying to defend bloodsports! Call a spade a spade and stop there. There are no agendas on this one - this is a sick country to kill off life just as it attempts to get a toehold on it.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jul 27th 2010, 21:03
V Falzon, curiosity killed the cat!!! I assure you that since my accusation is factual, I do not need to use the mud-slinging you normally use by using this blog. Secondly, why should I disclose details to any Mr Nobody? I know the proper procedure/channels which one is expected to use. I urge you, along with Jason Borg to ask your beloved BLM to enlighten you. Alternatively, why not address your curiosity by asking the Police. Obviously, I do not guarantee that they will disclose anything to a peeping Tom!!!
V Falzon
Jul 27th 2010, 13:22
@ Sylvana Zorb Darmanin
"I have proof of an illegal activity coming from your side."
I challenge you to expose what this "illegal activity" was.
Bring it on, bring it on!
C. L. Attard
Jul 26th 2010, 18:46
Everytime there is a report like this, there are always hunters out to cast doubt on its veracity. credibility. There are at least six such implications in this story forum alone. What I fail to understand is this...if you hunters really are as fervently against the laqbreaking poachers as you so loudly claim you are, then WHY DO YOU KEEP HELPING THEM BY CASTING DOUBTS ON THE REPORTS OF THEIR CRIMES? Its bad enough that you do nothing to catch them, unlike those you are so zealous to attack, but instead you help them get away with it by downplaying rtheir crimes. Maybe you want to keep feeding the illusion that birds dont get illegally shot in Malta? Or perhaps the question whould be, who are you really defending?
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jul 26th 2010, 17:47
Ha! Ha! Jason Borg!! Unlike your lot, I do not fire accusations without proof!! Since I am invariably "truthful and credible" in whatever I write, I suggest you ask your beloved BLM about the incident I refer to. Should that not be enough, I suggest you refer to the Malta Police who happen to have a file about the case. Meanwhile, please try writing in an educated manner.
Joe Fenech
Jul 26th 2010, 15:46
The problem on this island is that their are far too many beast..ones that don't fly!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jul 26th 2010, 11:37
Having gone through the comments below, I condemn primarily the poachers concerned (if this is proven to have actually happened), as well as most of the antis commenting below for their shameful and hateful comments! I am convinced that the latter group deserve to be in the same basket with poachers! On a final note, DEAR ANTIS, I have proof of an illegal activity coming from your side. However, my education and manners will not allow me to act in a disgraceful manner such as yours. There are irresponsible individuals amongst you BUT there are responsible ones as well! One is judged by this words and actions!
Jason Borg
Jul 26th 2010, 14:40
Oh come on dear Anti Living birds - if you have proof of illegal activities, go on and file a report. Otherwise you are collaborating with the criminals. This is not an issue of manners and education, but of being truthful and credible.
Chris Finch
Jul 26th 2010, 08:42
What is most incredible is that not one single hunter has condemned this shooting.
THAT is the problem and why legitimate hunters have such a bad reputation and are frequently tarred with the same brush. They are too busy blaming and accusing Birdlife of ruining their hobby and reputation when in fact it is the idiots who kill indiscriminately who will put an end to legitimate hunting. Look at what happened a few seasons ago with the early closing of the spring season after the night heron massacre.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 26th 2010, 14:15
Did your blinkers prevent you from reading my comment:
Yes I fully condem the illegal activites (if proven, not just parroted), but I will never accept blanket accusations and mass punishments. I place such imbacile comments at par with the criminal imbacile.
I reposted part of my comment. Again I repeat I WILL COMDEM ANY ILLEGAL HUNTING JUST THE SAME AS I CONDEM ANY ILLEGAL ACTVITY COMMITED FROM ANY MEMBER OF SOCIETY, ONLY IF IT IS PROVEN AND NOT SIMPLY PARROTED IN THE MEDIA.
(PS. yesterday my zebra was stolen, and last month my rino was stolen, and the previous month my white pigmy elephant was stolen, all from the same field, and the month before that (April) all my fields were trampled upon by birdwatchers scouting for doves and quail. Just passing a credible comment)
marco meli
Jul 26th 2010, 15:05
did you read mine also???? pffffffff. So if by your comments and others below , if a person posses a shotgun he is a hunter!? agreed? so even robbers who perform hold-ups etc are hunters as they have guns too! please can you be constructive in your arguments once in a while.
M. Cardona
Jul 26th 2010, 15:36
@C Finch
and this is the problem with people like you......one bird is REPORTEDLY shot and presto it makes headlines, yet I never heard about a night heron massacre. And that is exactly why all like you are similiarly labelled, and "tarred with the same brush", because you make up stories which never happened and without a single shred of evidence expect your unfounded accusations to be accepted as gospel.
Karl Consiglio
Jul 26th 2010, 00:44
May the European court please take note, and may the bill be sent to the hunter's union to pay up, not with the country's savings.
C Mallia
Jul 26th 2010, 12:12
Best comment so far. The only hope for Malta to realistically improve this situation is that the EU steps in and keeps Malta in check to ALL its promises. As the polluter pays, same should go for these beasts.
marco meli
Jul 26th 2010, 15:12
dear c mallia,
having said that the eu should also step in and take a look at our country side being torn apart by developers! just go to bahrija and ask our protected "qabru"(fresh water crab) ;someone just build a villa with all the blessings in his habitat!!!!!!!!!
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jul 25th 2010, 22:31
Indeed blame all hunters for the killing of protected species. The indiscriminate way in which people sharing a common hatred for hunting express their disgust is indeed puerile to say the least.
So next time some moron runs over somebody crossing on a zebra crossing or runs through a red light, blame all drivers and that includes even the fools that tarnish all hunters with one brush since they too are drivers. However there might be a big difference I am not considering. Hunters as opposed to drivers are supposed to self regulate or bear the brunt of every one's condemnation whenever such vile acts occur.
If the hunting organizations are meant to control illegalities then please explain to me why the proposals they put forward for a revamp of the judicial way in which such crime is treated has not been heeded. Also why is the revocation of hunting licenses not an automatic punishment for such crime.
it is indeed very convenient for Government to expect self regulation. it costs nothing, achieves nothing and yet it is expected to eradicate such filth.
Harsh fines backed by a knowledgeable judiciary would definitely do wonders.
Joe Camilleri
Jul 25th 2010, 21:06
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@ For all those who commented on my comment :- NOBODY gave me a decent answer. Only beating around the bush. This shows how well versed you are in bird habitat. Fine I will tell you the answer. Only because these nature reserves are not well managed. These nature reserves should be immediatly handed over to FKNK. FKNK have both the knowledge and man power to upkeep these reserves. With all the millions that BLM are give, these Nature reserves should be Heaven on Earth and not only brackish water.
Well I have another simple question for the birdies experts: How come these egrets did not bred on the 25 YEAR OLD nature reserve of Comino ??? i.e no hunting or trapping have been alloweed for 25 whole years.
_________________________________________________________
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Robert Agius
Jul 26th 2010, 06:57
Communication breakdown. Perhaps you can pass the word to the birds and let them know where is it save for them to nest.
Re. natural reserve. Well, really, they don't need any money or people to help. Nature did fine for a few billion years. Of course you need to spent a little since SOME hunters (notice, I wrote some, cause I believe, and know, there are many reasonable hunters, from your comments i will exclude you) will always try to break the laws (eventually all hunters will and are suffering the consequences of such ignorant, and some case downright stupid, people).
One question for you - Are you after the money, or the well being of the reserve? No beating about the bush please.
Jason Borg
Jul 26th 2010, 07:18
Simply because Comino does not offer the right habitat for the Little Egrets. It appears that the only knowledge you possess about birds is limited to your killing skills.
stefan micallef
Jul 26th 2010, 11:50
OK egrets dont have good habitat on comino but birdlife "experts"said that on comino there is the perfect habitat for the short eared owl but it still never bred on it and i dont think that breeding on a fence is the egrets habitat so why they didnt go in BLM reserves with all that water and food!?!
>IF< the egret was really killed by a hunter id condem it but not sure if a hunter killed it!
Jason Borg
Jul 26th 2010, 14:36
Stefan - first of all, a nature reserve's success is not measured just by the number of breeding species. One can mention the number of species which visit the reserve, their length of stay, the variety of other fauna (including microscopic species which form the basis of the food web) etc. Contrary to popular belief by jelous hunters, salinity is not a worrying issue in BirdLife's reserves, since both Ghadira and Simar harbour saltmarsh habitats. Re. breeding species, the list is quite long considering the small size of the reserves. It includes Little Grebes, Coots, Moorhens, Little Ringed Plovers, Reed Warblers, Little Bittern and probably Water Rails. Larger species find it difficult to breed for the reason that when they venture out of the reserves (birds are unaware of the reserves' safe boundaries), they end up being shot one day or the next.
Steve Zammit
Jul 27th 2010, 12:53
''FKNK have both the knowledge and man power to upkeep these reserves.
I can assure you that BLM are doing a great job at managing the reserves. By the way how are the FKNK doing at Mizieb???. How many breeding birds breed there?Don't you have anything better to do?
What a stupid question...obviously Little Egrets will never breed on Comino for the simple answer because its not their habitat. Its basic biology we learnt it in science class. Instead of being happy that Little Egrets succesfully breed for the first time you go on with your gibberish. Looking through the trigger of your gun made you lose the perspective of things.
@Stefan Micallef
For accuracy's sake... a pair attempted to ON Comino in 1983 but the nest was abandoned because one of them was SHOT. Open your eyes and just realise that when birds are given the chance to breed, they do. Spring hunting has been banned for 3 years and the fruit is already ripening.
Well said Mr. Jason Borg
Re the other egrets.... September is approching fast and the rest will most probably be gunned down like the other poor egret. Shame! We never learn!
Joseph Micallef
Jul 25th 2010, 19:05
I dissassociate myself with what the other Joseph Micallef said. I am against this barbaric killing of birds and the other Joseph Micallef should start identifying himself whenever he feels like leaving a comment here!
Joseph Micallef
Jul 25th 2010, 19:17
I dissassociate myself with your Joseph Micallef. I am also against this barbaric killing of birds. Apologies for using your quite unique name and for trying to fool people in making them assuming that what I was saying was your opinion. You can also identify yourself when leaving. Joseph Micallef, Birkirkara
Anthony Formosa
Jul 25th 2010, 18:54
When we frequently see cats/ dogs/ hedgehogs flat to the ground do we blame all drivers? When are we going to stop blaming everyone for something which has only been witnessed but until now nobody is arraigned? Should we call all men and women beasts for the millions of abortions committed every year? Or the unborn are not so beauty as this bird?
J.Cutajar
Jul 25th 2010, 17:48
...next time a women gets raped will there be a demand for all males to be castrated?
@ J. Xerri
Has it never dawned on you that humans are capable of identifying their aggressors while
birds cannot.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 26th 2010, 07:00
It holds a lot of water because what I was trying to point out is that although rape is a crime only the culprit gets punished, unlike in hunting crimes for which the foolish demand that all and sundry get punished
M.Debono
Jul 25th 2010, 17:34
Hunters carry guns & are addicted to shooting birds-
poachers carry guns & are addicted to shooting birds-
Who, where, what, why, legal or illegal doesn't interest me. They both carry guns & shoot birds.
r sammut
Jul 25th 2010, 18:18
Applying YOUR reasoning to addiction Mr/Ms M Debono, then since…
Criminals carry guns…
Police carry guns…
Solders carry guns…
All the above are addicted to shoot…
Dare you put all the above in one basket?
E Vella
Jul 25th 2010, 17:17
Hunters or whatever they now call themselves in Malta are trigger happy and think they control Malta and do whatever they feel like whenever! Shame on people in the political parties who are too weak or too stupid to see the damage being done to our wildlife. Breeding in reserves or outside reserves has nothing to do with it. They just cannot control their urge to blow anything out of the sky. The problem is that the FKNK and government just bury their heads further down in the sand and pretned this never happens!
Joseph Micallef
Jul 25th 2010, 16:02
Stop blaming the hunters and poachers ... it is the authorities fault!
You both LP and PN have long pampered these persons as if hunting is a neccessity. It's all your fault! Hunting on this miniscule rock should have long been banned once and for all!
Ban hunting once and for all, is the only feasible way forward.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 25th 2010, 17:16
The political expert who is politically correct just expressed himself!!!!
And who are you to demand a ban...ok you want a ban...for a political party or else elect Alternativa Democratica and hunting will be banned. However, you have no right to demand that PL or PN abolish hunting because non of them ever listed the ban in their manifesto.
And by the way hunting in banned at the moment...did this ban save the heron...
Just some food for though...next time a women gets raped will there be a demand for all males to be castrated?
Joseph Micallef
Jul 25th 2010, 17:59
What has this got to do with rape? Your argument holds no ground!
I never said that PL and PN will ban hunting but I said they SHOULD... but they won't because they are the mercy of all voters. Political parties in this country place power on a higher ground than morality and common sense.
Also, I am not a political expert, but I am a taxpayer, and it is my lawfully right to enjoy the countryside and its beauty without the intrusion of people carrying a gun and a scribbled RTO next to their sort of rooms built by rubbish.
Do not come up with the argument that it is a hobby or a tradition or a game for that matter. Hobby? I love car racing and football, does that mean that I can go to race or play football wherever I deem so? Tradition? Should we order women to stay at home and wear the ghonnella the next time they go out because 80 years that was what we used to do. A game - do you ask the birds to play with you?
Johnny Xerri
Jul 26th 2010, 06:59
Why should political parties ban hunting may I ask?
Is it because the birds are endangered? Is it because the season is unsustainable? Quite clearly it is not because of theese reasons but because Mr. Micallef said so!!!! How logical!!! Another extremist imposing his believes.
I too for part of the tax payers, just because we are hunters we get no grant or else a special wievering of our taxation. Most hunters have private land and most public land is off limits because one cannot legally hunt in bird reserves, 200meters from habitated areas, 50 meteres from most beaches, 50 meters from main roads...+++
And since you mentioned football, well I dont agree that MFA gets gov funds if you have a hobby fund it yourself....but I have to stay put I cannot impose my believe...
If hunting is so bad why is it allowed in ALL EU COUNTRIES AND ALSO WORLDWIDE??? Maybe these countries do not have enough Micallefs fighting their anti hunting battles???
Joseph Micallef, BKARA
Jul 26th 2010, 12:29
Once you manage to justify clearly why a bird should be killed, and what do you do with it after you shoot it, then we can understand who the extremist is! After all I do not mind being labelled extremist; prefer being labelled an extremist than a birds’ killer.
You do not shoot birds, not because the season is sustainable or not, not because the birds the birds are endangered or not, simply because birds are not meant to be shot. Logical!
Johnny Xerri
Jul 26th 2010, 14:01
It may be logical for extremists but not for normal people. Logical states that if a bird species is legal game internationally, then it may be hunted and consumed.
You fail to understand that certain animals are legal game and that animals be it hunting or not will still be killed for food. Food from supermarkets and butchers does not come by magic. All animal products (and many food items have animal extracts), involve killing. A butcher does not manufacture food but sells slaughtered animals.
So yes sustainability is the only issue.
To answer to your comment I hunt because I want to consume natural food, to enjoy a hobby and to conserve the land that I have. I never buy meat because I simply refuse to eat steriod and antibiotic pumped aniamls. If you want to know what I do with the shot birds and rabbits that I hunt, you are invited to visit my loo a few hours after the hunted game is consumed.
Joseph Micallef
Jul 26th 2010, 18:18
Pathetic-ness at its best...
A.Damato
Jul 25th 2010, 14:36
@Franco Farrugia- Please stop reffering to individulas who break the law as hunters!!!, these are only poachers or criminals. Hunters, as the vast majority do, shoot only legal quarry in the open seasons as stipulated by law.
@ the '' witness '' as reffered to in this article- If what you claim is the truth, you should have reported instantly what you have seen to the authorities asap in order for the '' alleged '' poacher(s)/criminal(s) to be identified and brought to justice.
I'm sorry but the way this article has been published lefts much to be desired as regards to credibility. Has the witness approached the authorities?? where the alleged '' killed birds'' recovered?? where the police called on site as soon as the illegality was witnessed ???
Or just because these birds were not seen anymore near this bird park, '' someone assumed'' that they were shot??
We need answers and proofs NOT JUST ALLEGATIONS!!!!
Jason Borg
Jul 25th 2010, 16:24
Any proof that the vast majority of hunters are not poachers? Nope.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 25th 2010, 17:23
Yes there is...the amount of illegal bird shooting that BLM exposes....they never managed to expose more than 2000 incidents (most of which are minor such as hunting during a promised season) from 12000 hunters and 4000 trappers in 365 days.
If my maths is correct thats 2000/16000 = 12.5% breaking the law with 5.5 incedents per day.
LOL I encounter more traffic infringments from my garage to the first intersection per morning, and more smokers breaking the law at my local pub per evening..
(and this using BLM figures for illegal hunting activities)
Jason Borg
Jul 26th 2010, 07:19
Mr. Xerri - 2000 incidents were exposed by a handful of people in the field. The right figure would probably be 20,000.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 26th 2010, 13:53
In Maltese we say 'kieku kieku waqa u kiser siequ'
The figure regarding violations that should be used is that of the police force, which is way below that of the records that BLM issue to the public. I used the BLM figure to be generous. However, there is no pleasing some people.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 25th 2010, 14:36
Bird hunting,rabbit hunting and trapping has nothing to do with this matter.
First, a witness stated. Yep I witnessed an elephant in my fields, which I tried getting a better view of, but a magician was having a picnic and decided to vanish the elephant...puff...and it was gone in a cloud of grey smoke.
Secondly, I am a male, God forbid that next time round a rape takes place we will have a pic of the nice lady and the 'beast' so that all males will be labled as 'beasts'. After all each and every male has the same 'weapon and ammunition' in his pants.
Thirdly, how come these 'events' always happen when the seasons are announced?
Fourthly, a hunter hunts to catch game and then consume it, a criminal targets protected birds. Crime will not be abolished by tarnishing law abiding individuals. Evene if seasons are closed, criminals will still target the species they set eye upon.
Fifth and last, who is to say that the real victim in the heron? Maybe the owner of the Heron (these were not wild herons but breed herons by Malta Bird Park owner) was the real target (revenge or personal settlement)
Edward Camilleri
Jul 25th 2010, 14:16
I wonder where are the ALE! Did we hear of any high level official calling for an investigation and catch the perpetrators? NO, maybe because no money is involved as is the case of the tuna incidents?
I hope no FKNK or other hunting official will come with a statement that birds do not nest in Malta because there is no water or vegetation. There is one cause of this, and that's rampant illegal hunting.
@Joe Camilleri
The answer to your question is very simple: maybe because illegal hunters shoot them down on the way there? Nature reserves of a few tumoli are nothing when surrounded by selfish hunters.
C.Spiteri
Jul 25th 2010, 13:37
Ban hunting for good and confiscate all guns. In addition, heavy jail terms (at least 2 years) if anyone is caught with a shotgun! This is what is needed.
Johnny Xerri
Jul 25th 2010, 17:09
A very logical comment. Ban guns!!!
Are you aware that guns are legally imported, legally bought, legally licenced, and legally held. The fact that some imbacile makes illegal use of a legal object does not warrent the confiscation of objects that have never been used in criminal activities.
Through your reasoning, cars should be banned, since criminals use them as getaway cars. Cars that are driven by drivers, and using your yard stick all drivers are them criminals. So should we ban all cars?
Wait even more interesting, some males rape. Now using your reasoning shuld all males be castrated and have their 'rape weapon' removed just in case another make decides to rape?
Yes I fully condem the illegal activites (if proven, not just parroted), but I will never accept blanket accusations and mass punishments. I place such imbacile comments at par with the criminal imbacile.
HenryFenech Azzopardi
Jul 25th 2010, 13:06
Facts no one can deny.
It is a close season and Birdlife say that protected birds were shot dead. They also confirm the place as being near salini where the birds were shot dead.
This is ample proof that the hunters have nothing to do with the illegal act because the season is still closed. This confirms what I have been saying all along that it is unfair to blame the law abiding hunter with irregularities of others. Why ban the afternoon hunting in September when the culprits have no season.
The authorities should close the airport to one and sundry because every now and again drugs are imported illegally.
The only solution to the long issue is for Birdlife to seek cooperation from FKNK and tackle the problem. Their approach in curbing on hunting seasons and asking for restricted season will not deter the illegal poachers to carry on with their illegal activity.
Both organisation should forget the past and get together with one aim. I am convinced that both organisations can contribute towards this aim, but throwing mud at each other will only give space for offenders to carry on unabated.
tra due letiganti il terzo gode.
Harry Saliba
Jul 25th 2010, 12:57
UTTER WASTE,, oh i'm not referring to the very sad death of beautiful birds , what a sad ,sad waste of life .
WHAT i am referring to is the primitives, the low life bottom feeders , its an utter waste of air that they breath, there is nothing but contempt for selfish morons of this sort that destroy life so out of hand . The word BEASTS is totally inadequate. Its about time these so called hunters are stopped and imprisoned ,,at the very least
Mr B J Simmons
Jul 25th 2010, 12:50
ANYBODY SURPRISED?
w.scicluna
Jul 25th 2010, 12:27
It would be an interesting experience to get hold of these ''killers'' and take a few shots at them. See how much they like it...
r curmi
Jul 25th 2010, 12:17
Umbad dawn il balla kodardi jigu jeqirdu li hadulhom 4 nofs ta nhari. Ghadu lanqas biss resaq settembru u diga bdejtu il massakri mela ara xinu gej!!!!
Umbad is soltu taghhom jigu bis soltu jkusi taghhom u jipruvaw jaghttu id dnubiet taghom bhal dak li qallu ghandom credibli. Harsu daqxejn lejn il kumment tas sur
Joe Camilleri.
U bhal dejjem gvern bla sinsla li itijhom kull ma jridu!!!
marco meli
Jul 25th 2010, 12:13
Well said Mr camilleri! On the other hand I only condone those who shot these birds!! they are sure a pack of imbeciles! If these birds will have breed and continued their journey it would have been be a big blowout for birdlifemalta with all its nature reserves and millions flowing from here and there and not even being capable of something similair!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Merriman
Jul 25th 2010, 12:04
"Beasts" quite an apt description
Charles Muscat
Jul 25th 2010, 11:47
As we all say you can't teach old dog new tricks.
D.Bonello
Jul 25th 2010, 11:15
Hope this eyewitness who saw the bird being shot will help the police to bring the poacher to justice. For sure he was close to the incident from what is said. If none of this happens, im sorry but people will doubt if its true. There have been to many lies, always said before the shooting season opens, and that makes people WONDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its already a big, big HOW, the birds did not nest in the Nature Reserve after so much being said about this birds paradise. And still the law abiding hunters in their majority are against the shooting, always if it happened.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 25th 2010, 11:09
Best not to mention where these 'beauties' are, in case some hunters go and look for them.
joseph lia
Jul 25th 2010, 13:53
Indeed, shame on the poachers, these are the ones that have no proper hunting background.
No respect for proper management and conservation ideology. These Little Egrets and other members of the heron family are attracted to the proper environment that suits them for breeding, food availability and above all water, amply provided by this breeding facility.
An environment otherwise absent in the Maltese Islands, good point Mr J Camilleri, good point indeed.
Joe Cassar
Jul 25th 2010, 10:57
Beasts indeed.
Joe Camilleri
Jul 25th 2010, 10:50
Just one question,
how come that these egrets did not make their nest in one of BLM's over hyped nature reserves? When these same reserves are mostly closed to the public, "guarded" day and night and money never stops flowing in BLM's bank accounts.
Joseph Micallef
Jul 25th 2010, 11:17
As the egrets! Your question is totally irrelevant. The person who shot them is still a beast!
J Cutajar
Jul 25th 2010, 11:18
What a dumb argument ..Being a supposedly law abiding hunter you should have condemned this but as usual in defense of criminals........good, these are the typical comments we want to see coming from hunters...pure unity
issa jibdew gejjin tal poachers, dejjem listess storja
Charles Sammut
Jul 25th 2010, 11:35
Because these reserves are regularly broken into and vandalised. Shame on you neanderthals.
Ray Buhagiar
Jul 25th 2010, 11:43
ask the egrets, Mr Camilleri!
Stupid question, deserves a stupid answer!
Peter Bonnici
Jul 25th 2010, 12:05
cos they weren't granted a permit.
Jason Borg
Jul 25th 2010, 12:15
Just one questions - instead of trying to throw mud at BirdLife, why don't you condemn your fellow hunters` irresponsible and beastly actions?
M.Cachia
Jul 25th 2010, 12:55
Thats ridiculous - animals nest where they like - they don't ask for permission or are guided to locations to nest. You would better spend your time denouncing the horrible creatures that shot at these beautiful animals.
Joseph Galea
Jul 25th 2010, 14:41
Ask the egrets !!
Antonio Anastasi
Jul 25th 2010, 15:23
Mr. Camilleri,
the point is that the birds where shot, protected birds at that and DURING CLOSED season.
The point is that even at the BLM sanctuaries bird are shot, and according to this paper the warden, beaten up, or threatened.
This act shows that the hunters do not have a social conciousnessand insist, for all their words of moderation and respect of the law, continue to flaunt the law.
It is about time that either drastic matters are taken by the government, civil society, or the hunters associations......or ultimately BAN hunting all together.
victor pulis
Jul 25th 2010, 15:59
You're right Joe. What stupid egrets! Perhaps they can't read. BLM is also to blame for not advertising its sites with prospective bird visitors.
Now we'll wait for the usual argument that it was BLM members who shot it.
Neville Pace
Jul 25th 2010, 22:05
Birdlife Malta know exactly what people need to see! please lets not start talking rubbish again and point the fingers at each other! no-one is perfect - hunters, car drivers, fishermen, mepa, politicians, etc etc. please before accusing someone see the facts and veify if it is true or not!