Malta is no bird paradise

The truth about the alleged significance of Malta’s importance in terms of bird migration and its purported potential as a bird watching destination as claimed by BirdLife Malta is evidenced by records among its neighbouring partners.

An article Bird Migration Begins In Earnest (March 11) that carried a spectacular photograph of a swallow in flight claims, “60 species of birds recorded in less than a fortnight”. In contrast to this achievement an event being organised by BirdLife Cyprus known as a Bird Race involves teams around Cyprus that win this event according to how many species they can count within a 24-hour period. Considering half of this period is in total darkness the team that won last year’s event managed to record 154 species within 12 hours of daytime.

Taking such facts into consideration it is not surprising that “birdwatchers” only appear in Malta when invited or enticed by the cost of €24 per night that covers the cost of accommodation, meals and transport as advertised on the BirdLife Malta website or by a total expenses paid trip sponsored by the supporters of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter. Considering the number of “birdwatchers” did not increase during the last four spring seasons when hunting was suspended, when supposedly more birds should have been present to observe, it is easy to conclude that the 50 odd participants, most of which are repeat visitors, are indeed odd. Their “birdwatching” turns out to be no more than a hunter smear crusade conducted for very defined purposes.

Indeed, genuine birdwatchers are not after cheap or free holidays but converge on areas such as Cyprus, which apart from being a hunters’ and birdwatchers’ haven, are known for their variety and importance for birds.

It’s about time BirdLife Malta and partners stopped their smear campaign and concentrated on portraying reality in the right perspective. Though occasionally getting the odd meagre day of bird migration, Malta, unfortunately for all, is nowhere near the paradise portrayed by BirdLife Malta. Hunters know this and the lack of visiting birdwatchers proves it.