An injured mute swan delighted many as it entered St Thomas Bay at around 7am today until it was realised that the bird had blood stains in the under part of its right wing.

The bird, which is now in Birżebbuġa surrounded by members of the Administrative Law Enforcement flew to its new location after spending some time at St Thomas Bay.

Birdlife Malta CEO Mark Sultana said that while the public showed their enthusiasm and excitement at the visit of the swans in Gozo earlier this month, it was disheartening and a shame that once again some hunters defied goodwill and common respect to laws and nature and tried to kill such a beauty. 

BirdLife said it was adamant to keep on working in collaboration with all stakeholders to eradicate illegal hunting in Malta.

A bevy of 12 swans landed in a reservoir in Marsalforn valley on January 2, attracting many people to the area to enjoy the unusual sight.

Kaccaturi San Ubertu hunters' association said the presence of an injured juvenile Mute Swan at St Thomas Bay clearly showed that some individuals should not be allowed a hunting licence if indeed they hold one.

"It is despicable that on one hand, hunting organisations prove their environmental commitments by feeding swans, and on the other, a swan is shot by a person that most likely possesses a hunting license," the society said.

"Kaccaturi San Ubertu KSU shares the same principle of zero tolerance towards such abuse professed by the main hunting organisation and likewise will expel any convicted offender."

"It is inconceivable that some individuals though their ignorance and egoism ruin the image of law abiding hunters," it added.

It called for a coordinated effort by the hunting organisations, the judiciary, ornithological organisations, the police and the public to eradicate such abuse and to ensure any convicted offenders are brought to justice.