This shot male Marsh Harrier was recovered yesterday afternoon by BirdLife Malta, after being reported by a lady out walking at Hondoq ir-Rummien in Gozo.

BirdLife said this was the fifth shot protected bird received by BirdLife Malta over the past four weeks. A further eight protected birds were seen in flight with gunshot injuries during this time period.

For a bird to be recovered it must first be shot but not killed, then escape the hunter, be found by someone willing to help, and then be passed onto BirdLife Malta. The number of shot protected birds recovered by BirdLife Malta is therefore only the tip of the ice-berg.

The BirdLife Malta website has been updated with a list detailing illegal activity, and contact numbers and advice on how to effectively report illegalities.

Apart from reporting hunting and trapping crimes, witnesses can also leave a comment on the website; revealing, rejecting and publicly condemning these crimes.