There was a welcome sight for visitors to the Gozo General Hospital this morning, where nine White Storks found refuge to roost overnight on the crane where the Barts the school is being built.

BirdLife Malta confirmed on Monday evening that the original flock of 18 storks, now numbers 11 after various shooting incidents, last night was their fourth consecutive night on the Maltese Islands.BLM said that Police assistance has been requested and they are also calling on the public to keep an eye out and report any sightings or incidents to BirdLife Malta and the authorities.

“It is unusual for storks to migrate this early in August in Malta. Over the past few years White Storks originating from as far as Italy to Sweden have normally appeared in September. The origin of these birds remains unknown as none of them appear to be ringed,” said BirdLife Malta.

Photographs by Anthony Zammit

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