RICHARD FREEMAN: Bird attacks in Malta

Poachers in Malta have been killing migrating birds illegally and attacking bird watchers. BirdLife Malta and CABS (Committee Against Bird Slaughter) received many reports of protected species being shot after a storm the previous night brought many migratory birds into Malta seeking shelter. A Common Kestrel, a Purple Heron - a species of Conservation Concern in Europe - a Grey Heron, a Night Heron and a little bittern have all been passed to Birdlife with pellets embedded internally.

Since the start of the hunting season illegal shooting at protected species including Osprey, Honey-buzzard, Eleonora's Falcon, Hobby, Night Heron, Red Knot, Little Egret and Mediterranean Gull has occured. Illegal sea hunting for protected Oystercatchers and Shelduck using high powered speedboats has also been recorded by BirdLife field teams.

"The denial of the scale of illegal killing of migratory birds by the authorities have so far worked in favour of illegal hunters who once again started blasting protected species out of sky with impunity. " said Tolga Temuge, BirdLife Malta Executive Director.

BirdLife Malta and CABS will be joining forces in their efforts to monitor and report illegal hunting to the police this month. Last summer poachers hurled rocks at bird watchersand shot out the windscreen of a car. Now police officers on extra duties will be assigned to the conservation camps to ensure the security of the bird watchers who have faced many attacks in the past.