Updated 1.50 p.m.

CABS, the Munich-based birdwatchers' group, confirmed today that it is using a remote controlled aircraft to seek out illegal trapping sites.

Spokesman Axel Hirschfeld also confirmed to timesofmalta.com that the aircraft was shot at while it flew over Delimara this morning, adding that it was hit by a number of pellets, but not seriously damaged.

He said the plane is equipped with high definition camers with live links to recorders on the ground. A Swiss pilot, who holds a world record for long-distance flying of such aircraft, was brought over to Malta to operate the aircraft. The aircraft can fly up to 20 miles away from its pilot.

Mr Hirschfeld said a trapping site was detected near Bahrija yesterday and another 'huge' one near Delimara this morning.

The police, he said, were shown the footage and acted quickly, seizing the equipment and live protected birds.

He said the police had told CABS not to fly the aircraft too low or near the airport. However operations will continue.

"It is difficult to access certain sites, especially where private property is concerned, and this is an ideal way of detecting illegalities," Mr Hirschfeld said. 

A spokesman for BirdLife denied any involvement.