BirdLife sees protected species being shot down

BirdLife Malta has received reports of shootings of several protected birds and its Spring Watch team at Ħandaq yesterday witnessed a Montagu’s harrier being shot dead, the organisation said.

The protected bird of prey fell into a field just a few metres from the team and was recovered by police officers following a call from BirdLife.

Another team witnessed the shooting of two other birds of prey at the Ħas-Saptan area next to the Malta International Airport.

On Sunday, Spring Watch teams recorded illegal shooting at seven locations, illegal electronic quail lures, protected kestrels shot at in Marsascala and armed hunters in the countryside. All hunting activity is illegal on Sunday mornings.

Over the past two days, the teams have seen seven protected birds − four marsh harriers, a grey heron, a Montagu’s harrier and a yellow-legged gull − suffering from gunshot injuries.

BirdLife claimed its teams have also been subject to aggressive behaviour. On Sunday evening, a pick-up truck stopped short of driving on to a Spring Watch team at the Red Tower, causing one member to jump out of its way to avoid being hit. A group of men then leapt out of the truck and insulted the volunteers, Birdlife alleged.

The local team leader was told: “We know where you live.” Mobile police dispersed the group.

BirdLife said it will be compiling a report and sending it to the European Commission at the end of the spring hunting derogation.

The association has released footage of incidents recorded over the past two days, including the shot Montagu’s harrier, which can be seen at www.birdlifemalta.org