Observers for birds’ study

The hunting federation is calling on hunters and trappers interested in taking part in a government-commissioned study about quail and turtle dove migration to come forward.

The study, which started on Monday and will run until May 26, will look into bird migration over the Maltese islands.

BirdLife Malta and the hunting federation (FKNK) were asked to participate in the study.

In view of the fact that some of its members, which usually acted as observers, would not be able to participate this year because they would otherwise not be able to hunt, the federation said it was urging others interested in taking part in the study to contact it on 9947 4503.

Observers can be hunters and trappers who did not pay the special spring hunting licence. Preference will be given to FKNK members having hunting dogs.

The observers, who would be deployed in the morning, will not act as police officers but only count the number of quail and turtle doves they spot, FKNK explained said.