Over 150 people joined BirdLife Malta's Spring Watch teams on Sunday for a stroll in the countryside in the first spring without hunting.

Numerous environmental organisations joined the international ornithologists who are here to document migration over a two-week period and report any illegal hunting and trapping, BirdLife said.

The hike started at the Red Tower in Mellieħa. BirdLife officials provided information about the flora and fauna they came across during the walk.

BirdLife Malta executive director Tolga Temuge described the event as a "true celebration" with many walking through the countryside to admire the natural heritage.

"It is clear the Maltese people truly appreciate their wonderful environment, given the chance.

"The government must put much more effort into safeguarding what is left of the countryside for its inhabitants and visitors to be able to enjoy to the full, now and in the future," Mr Temuge said.

The opening of the spring hunting season is on hold as Malta awaits a decision on the matter by the European Court of Justice, with environmentalists revelling in the situation but hunters and trappers feeling increasingly frustrated as peak migration season nears.