A young Black Kite was found washed ashore yesterday after being illegally shot at, in the second known case of a protected bird being targeted by poachers this week. 

The bird was rescued by an Italian resident swimming by Xrobb l-Għaġin, with an X-ray subsequently confirming it had fractured its wing after being shot, BirdLife Malta said in a Facebook post. 

The bird's injuries are not life-threatening and the Black Kite will now undergo rehabilitation at BirdLife Malta. 

Black Kites are a protected species and cannot be hunted, with BirdLife noting that anyone caught doing so faced a minimum fine of €5,000. 

The Honey Buzzard had 10 pellets lodged in its body. Photo: Facebook/BirdLife MaltaThe Honey Buzzard had 10 pellets lodged in its body. Photo: Facebook/BirdLife Malta

"This is the second shot protected bird of prey in a week received by BirdLife Malta," the NGO said. 

Earlier this week, activists recovered a Honey Buzzard with ten pellets lodged in its body from Birguma. Most of its feathers had completely deteriorated, and BirdLife Malta experts suspect the bird was first shot at and then kept in captivity before being abandoned.

Spotted poachers in action? Contact BirdLife Malta on 2134 7646 or 7925 5697. 

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