The recent “feared” shooting down of a Peregrine Falcon, if indeed such act occurred, is despicable. According to Birdlife Malta the female of this pair of Peregrine Falcons was “reportedly killed” last May and the male “feared gunned down before the eyes of 120 potential witnesses”.

... aimed at discrediting hunters...- Nyal Xuereb, Għargħur

Birdlife Malta seeks to sensationalise every allegation to their own advantage, infallibly failing to provide any proof. A similar allegation last May of a gull “probably shot” near Marsalforn was yet another in a series of such allegations aimed at discrediting hunters that was also not substantiated.

We trust the 120 Birdlife Malta members that witnessed this alleged act, most of whom undoubtedly were equipped with binoculars and high definition cameras, were able to record the incident they described in such detail.

Undoubtedly the speedboat used by the perpetrators of this alleged crime had a registration number as required by Maltese law that would have led the police to its owner. Certainly one more incident added to the few recorded on their website would aid their credibility.

One wonders whether the lack of evidence that would lead to a conviction is intentional considering Birdlife Malta would run out of business if all such criminals were to be apprehended.