Over the past few days, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter said that participants in its bird protection camp in Malta and Gozo have taken ”targeted action against illegal bird trapping.”

CABS noted that ”whilst in March poachers mainly targeted finches such as linnets and goldfinches, in late spring their focus has shifted to pipits, ortolans and turtle doves, which are highly sought after as live decoy birds.”

”During our investigations on the west coast and on the neighbouring island of Gozo, the authorities have apprehended six offenders,” said CABS. It added that five pairs of clap-nets and a trapping cage were seized, as were seven tree pipits, four ortolans, a short-toed lark and two unidentified finches.

CABS said that criminal proceedings have been initiated against the offenders, and the birds have been released.

CABS advised that the bird protection campaign in Malta, which began in early March, will continue until the end of next week.

Photo: CABS – 2 of the 6 caught trappers in April 2026 had live turtle dive decoys (archive image)

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