A protected marsh harrier was recovered this morning in Selmun after being shot, in what BirdLife Malta described as "the first casualty" of the spring hunting season. 

The marsh harrier was taken to a vet after being found shot in Selmun. Photo: BirdLife MaltaThe marsh harrier was taken to a vet after being found shot in Selmun. Photo: BirdLife Malta

The protected bird of prey was found by a member of the public, who alerted Birdlife Malta. It was then taken to a vet who confirmed it had been shot and was suffering from injuries to its right wing. 

"This goes to show that once again hunting seasons are a smokescreen for those who shoot protected birds," BirdLife Malta said in a statement in which it also urged the government to close the hunting season with immediate effect. 

The spring hunting season opened yesterday and is scheduled to run until April 14. According to its rules, only quail can be hunted, with a 5,000 national bag limit set. 

Just over 6,650 hunters applied for this year's season, according to information supplied by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit.

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