BirdLife today called on the Prime Minister to suspend the hunting season, following the killing of two black storks yesterday. The governmenr replied that any decision on hunting seasons is taken by the Ornis Committee.

In a statement, BirdLife said two black storks were shot dead. BirdLife Malta’s officials witnessed one of the birds struggling in flight over Buskett with what looked like a blood stain on the chest. It eventually died.

The black stork was originally one of two birds shot at on Gozo, BirdLife said. One was killed and picked up by a hunter, the details of whom have been passed on to the police by BirdLife Malta. The other Black Stork, although suffering from gunshot injuries to the belly and had lead pellets in the left wing, continued to fly and reached Malta where it joined three white storks seen at the airport area, but succumbed to its injuries. Another White Stork was earlier observed in Gozo, apparently also with an injury.

Following the illegal killing of protected birds in the last few days including night herons, bee-eaters, a golden oriole and reportedly a honey buzzard this morning, this latest case of the black storks is a clear sign that with all the good intentions from Government and the Administrative Law Enforcement Unit (ALE), illegal hunting in Malta is yet uncontrolled, BirdLife said. While one cannot argue that in general terms the situation of illegal hunting in Malta has improved, the latter cases in the past days indicate this year could be one of the worst in recent years.

In view of all this, BirdLife Malta is requesting the Government to suspend the hunting season till 15 October, in order to allow a safer passage during the migration of protected birds such as birds of prey, herons, and possibly other flocks of storks.

Birdlife timeline of illegalities since start of 2016 autumn hunting season

 6 September, Valletta: Yellow-legged Gull (Gawwija Prima) Larus cachinnans recieved with three pellets in its right wing, leg and neck and had to be euthanised

 10 September, Wied ir-Rum, limits of Dingli: at least three Night Herons (Kwakka) Nycticorax nycticorax reported seen falling to the ground after a flock of herons came under fire

 10 September, Tal-Virtù, Rabat: Two Bee-eaters (Qerd in-Naħal) Merops apiaster reported having been shot dead over the area

 10 September, Manikata: Golden Oriole (Tajra Safra) Oriolus oriolus shot and euthanised due to injuries sustained

 12 September, Gozo and Malta: Two Black Storks (Ċikonja Sewda) Ciconia nigra shot dead

 13 September, Ħal Far: reports of a Honey Buzzard (Kuċċarda) Pernis apivorus shot down being investigated 

In a statement, the government said that the matter is being investigated by the police.

It said the decision on the opening/closing of a hunting season lies with the Ornis committee. The government will evaluate any recommendations and act accordingly, it said.