BirdLife Malta has said this morning that the Marsalforn Valley is full of life again as the Mute Swans which had earlier left the area have now returned to feed in the artificial reservoir which they have transformed into their home for the last days.

It appears that six of the swans which had earlier flown away in the direction of Xaghra have now rejoined the rest of the birds and settled once more in the water. The other three also returned back to base after having earlier flown further down into the valley, BirdLife said.

BirdLife Malta has appealed to the general public to keep their distance from the birds and not to feed the swans. “During the past hours people were allowed way too close to the birds to take pictures and close-ups, with others observed throwing stones and pebbles into the water to attract their attention so as to be able to take the best shots.”

BirdLife added that “there were also occasions when people were seen trying to throw bread into the water. Feeding white bread to these birds would harm them and would only cause them irreparable damage in the long run. In northern countries birds like these are fed wheat, grain, corn and legumes. Ideally the birds should be left in peace and not fed at all.”

The Mute Swan is a protected bird at the highest level and as such, the police should make sure that they are not disturbed, the NGO said.

BirdLife Malta went on to say that “we would like to thank the Gozo District Police and the members of the Administrative Law Enforcement (ALE) unit for their efforts to ensure – day and night – the safety of these birds.”

“The Mute Swans might stay in Gozo for the duration of the winter, but this can only happen if they are shown the same hospitality we are renowned to offer to all those who visit us.”

BirdLife Malta said that it is monitoring the situation and appeals to the general public to contact their offices with any information in relation to their possible future migration over the Maltese Islands. “We can be contacted on our office phone numbers 21 347 645/6 or on 7925 5697 after office hours.”

Photograph by Nathaniel Attard

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