A Salina resident told a court today that she recognised a man accused of shooting a protected flamingo as having been the man whom she had seen carrying a gun and the dead bird on the night of June 3 last year.

The woman was giving evidence in the case instituted by the police against Edgar Attard, 49, his son Justin, 25, from Naxxar, his cousin Cliff Borg, 31, from Mosta, and their friend Massimo Parnis, 22, also from Naxxar.

Justin Attard and Mr Borg stand charged with shooting the greater flamingo, being in possession of stuffed protected birds, hunting outside the hunting season and regulated times, and within a bird sanctuary. They were also accused of relapsing. Mr Attard Sr and Mr Parnis were charged with possession of protected birds.

The woman said that on the evening of June 3, and at around 10 or 11pm she heard a gunshot and went out on the balcony.

She saw a man in the canal. In one hand he had a gun and with the other he was carrying a large bird. He crouched down near a gate.

The woman went to tell her neighbour. He went to her flat and they watched the man for five minutes.The police were called and the witness shouted at the man, who looked up.

The witness said she recognised the accused Justin Attard as he had been under a street lamp when he looked up at them.

A white vehicle arrived and he left in the car.

Three or four weeks later she was called by the police to identify a line of suspects and she picked out Mr Attard. 

Another witness, also a Salina resident, said that on June 3, several people watched the flamingo in Salina. The police left the area in the evening. 

Late in the evening he heard a gunshot and ran out to the terrace to see what was happened. He saw a white car turn up and he called the police, who were quickly on the scene.

He saw a young man hiding  on his knees near a gate before being picked up by the white vehicle.

Police Constable 1194 from the mobile squad said he was on duty on the day. At around 11.45pm he was informed that the flamingo had been killed and the police conducted a search. A Mitsubishi Pajero was found locked behind Scott's Supermarket. There were feathers inside.

The case continues.