A rare and highly protected bird, the long-legged Buzzard, was sighted yesterday in an undisclosed area in the north of Malta. The bird roosted overnight, awaiting more favourable wind currents to continue with its journey.

Immediately upon receiving initial sighting reports, several ALE patrols were deployed around the area.

The location is also being monitored by officials from the Wild Birds Regulation Unit who are conducting foot and vehicular patrols around the area, and are in close liaison with enforcement officers as well as with teams of volunteers present on the ground.