Hunters saved and eventually released back into the wild two little bitterns that were victims of man-made 'hazards' in two separate incidents.

The FKNK in a statement said that last week, a hunter noticed a little bittern crouching against a pavement after it was disorientated whilst in flight.

The hunter collected the bird and contacted the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK), which asked him to hand over the bird to the Animal Welfare personnel, who, after ensuring that the bird was unharmed, released it back into the natural environment.

Earlier this week, another hunter, who was walking his dog in Msida, observed another little bittern crash into a glass pane and hide  under a car.

The hunter collected the bird and took it to the FKNK offices nearby. After making sure the bird was unhurt, FKNK officials released it in the whereabouts of a nearby water reservoir.

The little bittern (Ixobrychus minutes), Igrett tas-siġar on Malta, Ħanxul on Gozo, can be termed a frequent passage migrant to Malta, more in spring than in autumn.

In recent years a few pairs have succeeded in raising a brood locally, especially due to more attractive natural environment preferred by the species that has become available in certain areas of the islands.