The rare and highly protected long-legged buzzard which roosted in Malta for two nights after it was sighted at an undisclosed area in north western part of Malta left Malta safely early today.

The government said the majestic large raptor soared high early in the morning and headed towards Gozo.

The bird was observed circling over Qala before continuing on its onward journey north.

Officials from the Wild Birds Regulation Unit, who monitored the bird's location throughout its stay, ALE officers who patrolled the area, Birdlife Malta volunteers, who maintained watch and provided information to the authorities, as well as members of the hunters' federation, who alerted the authorities regarding the bird's presence, bade the bird farewell as it continued on its northward migration.

Flocks of other protected birds were also observed over the past few days at various locations throughout the islands. These birds were also observed proceeding on their northward journey.

The government praised all law enforcement officers, volunteers and hunters for their efforts to ensure a safe passage for migrating protected birds.

"High level of cooperation between the authorities and NGOs, including hunting organisations and environmental NGOs is a key ingredient of success of enforcement in the field", it said.