BirdLife birdwatchers have expressed concern over the fate of 22 Spoonbills seen over Salina yesterday.

A spokesman for the NGO said that by this morning only 15 Spoonbills remained, even though this was not a bird which migrated during the night.

Ten were seen leaving this morning, heading south-west. Of the remaining five, three had visible gunshot injuries and could only fly for short distances.

The police and animal welfare officers tried to rescue them but the birds kept flying short distances away from them and the attempts were stopped not to aggravate the situation.

Another attempt will be made today or tomorrow.

The NGO said the birds, which are protected by law, were under constant watch by its volunteers to prevent illegal shooting.

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