September is the best time to watch migrating birds of prey in Malta. At this time, hundreds of thousands of birds leave their European breeding grounds to fly towards the African continent where they will spend the winter months. As many of these birds use hot air currents to soar, they travel over land and avoid long sea crossings.
Buskett gardens is the ideal place to watch these magnificent birds migrating. When I started watching birds nearly 30 years ago, Buskett was a very dangerous place for both birds and birdwatchers.
The area was already a bird sanctuary but, in the bird migration season, it used to be full of hunters who behaved as if they owned the place. They resented the presence of birdwatchers and although we tried to be as inconspicuous as possible, we were regularly assaulted and even shot at.
Despite of these dangers, come September, several young conservationists organised annual campaigns including protests and events to highlight the problems of illegal hunting of birds of prey at Buskett.
They slowly aim and shoot – but now, instead of guns, they are carrying cameras with telephoto lenses
Things did not change much and the shooting of birds of prey continued year after year. But then slowly things started to change. The police started to organise raids at Buskett and sometimes several hunters were arrested, but they would be back the following day, knowing that no action would be taken against them and that guns confiscated by the police would be returned to them.
Year after year, the protests and lobbying continued both locally as well as in international fora. About 10 or 15 years ago, Buskett became safe enough for most migrating birds of prey to be able to fly safely and even roost there.
Hunters are, however, back again. You can see them hiding behind bushes and low walls in strategic points, waiting for the honey buzzards and other birds of prey to come close. Then they slowly aim and shoot – but now, instead of guns, they are carrying cameras with telephoto lenses.
Several hunters are now taking pictures of birds. Many are posting them on Facebook and other internet sites. Taking good bird pictures requires patience and the ability to press the trigger at the right moment, skills which many hunters already have. I hope that many more hunters will take up this hobby.
Hopefully, one day soon, they will be taking part in bird photography competitions together with birdwatchers.
portelli.paul@gmail.com