BirdLife Malta’s Raptor Camp has recorded protected birds being illegally targeted during the night after hundreds of raptors and a flock of 22 Spoonbills, amongst other protected birds, yesterday flew into Malta to roost.

The 22 Spoonbills roosted close to the Salina Bird Sanctuary, a known hotspot of illegal hunting and trapping activity. After dusk they left the area, followed by a Raptor Camp team who lost sight of them in the dark.

In the morning only nine of the Spoonbills headed south-westerly to leave Malta, while three Spoonbills with visible gunshot injuries remained in Salina with another two birds. The fate of the remaining Spoonbills is unknown.

BirdLife Malta said it fears that two of the Spoonbills at Salina have suffered lethal injuries. The Spoonbills are currently being monitored by BirdLife Malta and the ALE. A rescue operation mounted today by the ALE and Animal Ambulance had to be postponed as the birds, though seriously injured, could fly short distances.

Several hundred raptors roosted in Malta, mainly around the Buskett Dingli area though around 100 also roosted in Mizieb. A Raptor Camp team mounting a night watch at one of the larger roosts in Girgenti heard at least 26 shots during the night, reporting the incidents with the police.

The birds are currently being monitored by Raptor Camp teams, and following a request by BirdLife Malta, the Animal Ambulance has offered to help in another rescue attempt.

“The targeting of protected birds during the night invariably takes place every time rare species roost in the islands.” said Dr Andre Raine, BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager. “This is clear indication of just how ridiculous the illegal hunting situation in Malta is, and it is about time that the government accepts the situation for what it is – a serious international conservation problem.”

Footage of the flock of injured birds may be seen on www.birdlifemalta.org

The photograph, taken by Michelle Sullivan, shows one of the three Spoonbills at Salina with visible gunshot injuries.

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