BirdLife Malta launches the #onthemove campaign

#onthemove campaign has been launched by BirdLife Malta, with the aim, it said, of “inspiring people to enjoy, care and protect birds during the autumn migration.”

BirdLife said that, bird migration is a phenomenon that has been a source of inspiration and curiosity for thousands of years. “Being an island between two continents, Malta is a crucial resting place for birds that enables them to build the resources to continue their journey across long distances.”

To make the most of this natural spectacle, BirdLife Malta advised that it has launched the #onthemove campaign where fascinating facts about migration will be shared, and some of our special autumn migratory visitors that one can observe will be introduced.

The #onthemove campaign ^[1] will be using social media platforms among other communication channels, in a bid to share information about how everyone can enjoy bird migration in Malta.

BirdLife said that it is also encouraging people to share their bird sightings through an online form purposely created for this campaign which can be accessed at https://bit.ly/reportasighting ^[2].

Another main element of the campaign, BirdLife said, is to provide the opportunity to locals who want to volunteer by helping BirdLife Malta watch over migratory birds “to ensure they pass over the Maltese Islands safely on the way to their wintering grounds.”

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana stated, “one doesn’t need to be a bird expert to do this. BirdLife Malta has always placed people engagement at the forefront of its mission, mainly because people who enjoy and care about nature will eventually strive to protect it.”

He explained that, “a crucial part of this campaign will be calling people for action. We encourage people to tell us what they have observed, be it a magnificent flock of birds of prey or sadly finding a shot bird that needs help.”

BirdLife Malta went on to say that “during recent years we have seen an increase in illegal hunting in Malta and Gozo, with this year so far already being the worst year in the past eight years.”

“This might be disheartening but it also means that people need to step up and help these birds. In my years working with injured birds I am also witnessing an increase in awareness and care from the general public. I am confident that together we can make a difference to the migrating birds flying over Malta,” BirdLife Malta Head of Conservation Nicholas Barbara said.

Everyone is encouraged to follow the #onthemove campaign on BirdLife Malta’s website ^[3] and social media platforms ^[4] “to make the most of the amazing natural spectacle of migration and ensure that Malta is a safe haven for all birds that need our protection on their perilous journeys,” the NGO said.

Photo: Observing bird migration by Steven Williams