Over 20 stuffed protected birds as well as carcasses were found dumped in three locations in the space of two weeks, according to reports filed with the police.

The dead protected birds, some of which were mounted, were found in Birkirkara, Ħal Far and Żabbar, and included prized species such as night heron, marsh harriers, honey buzzards and little egret. They were found by members of the public who informed Birdlife Malta.

The environmental organisation then filed reports with the police. The first report was filed on February 1, after seven mounted birds were discovered on the side of Triq Il-Kanonku Indri Galea in Birkirkara.

There were two marsh harriers, a night heron, a common kestrel, and a honey buzzard. Two smaller birds were also found but they could not be identified.

On February 12, at least 12 carcasses were founf in Żabbar. These were all mounted and in a very poor state after being exposed to rainfall. The species included little egret, little bittern, common cuckoo, woodcock, lapwing, sandpiper, golden plover, and a sparrowhawk.

More in The Sunday Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.