Updated 5.50pm with hunters' group reaction

A protected Avocet spent last week at Għadira and Salina Nature Reserves before being shot in the middle of the night over the weekend, BirdLife said.

The Avocet – a very scarce and irregular migrant species – was observed first at BirdLife Malta’s Għadira Nature Reserve and then at Salina Nature Reserve.

“Unfortunately, this beautiful and rare wader was illegally shot over the weekend despite being a highly protected species and being in a supposedly protected area during the closed season. Both Għadira and Salina are Natura 2000 sites and protected bird sanctuaries,” the organisation said.

The species is protected at law under Annex 1 of the European Birds Directive, and as a result under Maltese law killing this species is punishable by a €5,000 fine.

The Avocet was first sighted at Għadira Nature Reserve on Sunday May and after spending a few days at the reserve, on Wednesday May 23 the Avocet left Għadira and was photographed flying over the Tas-Safra area on the coastroad before settling at Salina Nature Reserve where after a couple of a few more days it was shot during the night between Saturday May 26 and Sunday May 27.

Although it was monitored day and night while Għadira, Salina is fully accessible at all times, which made it more vulnerable.

Photo: BirdLife

The eNGO said that the bird was shot by someone who either entered the reserve in the middle of the night or opened fire from the perimeter of the saltpans.

The carcass was retrieved by BirdLife Malta staff early on Sunday morning.

The Avocet (Xifa in Maltese) is easily distinguishable from its black and white plumage and its very long legs. It has a thin, black bill which is curved upwards making it a unique species.

In the Mediterranean it breeds in coastal areas, making a nest on mud or sand. Some winter in the Mediterranean and others in Africa. In Malta, it is sometimes seen in spring, autumn and even in winter. It is mainly seen alone or with a mate, but sometimes small flocks are also recorded migrating offshore.

Show no mercy with perpetrators - hunters' group

Kaċċaturi San Ubertu said it had received a report that shots were fired around 10pm at Salina.

The hunters' group urged the police to take all the necessary steps and investigate to find any witnesses together with CCTV footage of the area.

It also urged the judiciary to show no mercy should any perpetrators be found.

"KSU commends the exemplary behaviour of the majority of the hunting community who followed and photographed the bird during its stay, as photos in several social media can prove, and hopes that those poachers who persist in breaking the law are brought to justice."

A photo of the Avocet taken last week. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina