During the yearly raptor migration, members of Kaccaturi San Ubertu (KSU), along with other hunters and bird watchers, have followed a week of migration of Harriers, Hawks and Buzzards, amongst other birds, including some Kites and an Osprey.

KSU said that the migration usually lasts until the first week of October. However, it said today, during the late afternoon, KSU members witnessed a rare sight of over 55 Black Kites which flew over Buskett, ready to roost.

“According to local ornithologist Natalino Fenech, this is the second largest flock of Black Kites ever recorded on the Maltese islands; usually, just a few individuals are seen.”

KSU said that it would like to point out to the authorities that Buskett, a Nature Reserve, and probably one of the most important nature reserves, at this time of the year serves as a roost to thousands of birds, especially raptors.

“But while the raptors where trying to roost, a disco party at the Road House prevented them to do so. The sound was so loud, even at 3.00pm during the sound check, that one could not communicate easily from the ring road, so one can imagine the noise and disturbance in and around the trees,” said KSU.

KSU concluded by saying that it would like to ask “why such a party is being given permits in a nature reserve at the peak of the migration season. The authorities should take the necessary steps to protect such an important place from disturbance.”

Photo by Marcus Camilleri (KSU member)

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