It seems that following the appointment of Birdlife Malta’s new executive director, Steve Micklewright, little or nothing will change on this island concerning birds.

Micklewright shows his utter prejudice in grossly misunderstanding the issue of spring hunting in Malta. Spring hunting of turtle doves and quails has been the norm on these islands from time immemorial.

Micklewright merely imitates the ostrich-like attitude of his predecessors when he declares: “If the birds are killed before they breed, the species won’t be around in future”. Long experience and real facts prove that his contention in Malta’s case is false.

The Court of Justice of the European Union, in its landmark judgment of September 10, 2009, sanctioned the limited hunting of these two species by Maltese hunters. If Birdlife does not oppose legal hunting or trapping, then it should not oppose what the EU itself sanctions, and what the EU Environment Commission itself has negotiated and agreed with the Maltese Government.

Instead of beating about the bush,Micklewright should say that he is absolutely not interested in changing Birdlife Malta’s approach towards the Hunters and Trappers Federation (FKNK). The onus is now on him if Birdlife Malta is to change its approach towards the FKNK.

For instance, Birdlife should stop attempting to take Miżieb out of the FKNK’s hands on the pretext of a few alleged illegalities.

It should stop its campaigns and spokes in the wheels against legitimate spring hunting. It should stop its baseless propaganda against the legitimate tradition of finch capturing, and waste EU funds in the process.

These are a few tests that Birdlife Malta would have to pass before FKNK can work closely with his organisation.

Micklewright’s ornithological experience in the UK may be enough for the UK, but the new Birdlife director would do better if he were first to acquaint himself with the Maltese reality, which is unique.