A Greater Flamingo seen last Tuesdayin Marsaxlokk, appears to have settled in for an extended stay at Salina, Birdlife said.
“It is difficult to know whether to be excited or worried,” said BirdLife Malta Conservation and Policy Officer, Christian Debono. “We want people to enjoy seeing this amazing bird but we also know there are those who would do it harm given the chance.”
The protected bird landed in the salt pans, which are currently undergoing restoration, last Wednesday morning and has since been under 24-hour guard by BirdLife Malta staff, volunteers, local residents and police, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the tragic end to the last flamingo to visit Salina, in June last year.
Picture - Roberto Cassar - mynews@timesofmalta.comBirdLife said it was calling on the public to help.
“We will have volunteers here watching the flamingo around the clock for as long as we can find enough people to help us,” said Christian Debono. “Visitors coming to see the flamingo and ask questions are always welcome.”
“Even with the help of police and people living in the Salina area we still need more people to help keep a watch over the flamingo in shifts as long as it remains in Salina.”
Apart from keeping human eyes on the flamingo, BirdLife said it is also monitoring the area with video cameras in case the worst happens.
Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact BirdLife Malta on 21347644 / 45 / 46.