Another two protected birds have been shot, Birdlife Malta reported today.

The Honey Buzzards (Kuċċard) were retrieved on 14 and 21 September respectively.

“These two birds of prey have been confirmed shot by the vet and become the 8th and 9th known illegally shot birds during this year’s autumn hunting season,” Birdlife said.  

“The first one recovered from Gozo was handed over to BirdLife Malta by the Gozo Police and it had pellets in its body but thankfully no broken bones meaning that it can hopefully be rehabilitated. The second Honey Buzzard recovered yesterday from Girgenti was taken to the vet this morning and she confirmed it was illegally shot too. It was a farmer in the area who called the police to report this incident after the bird landed in his field after being shot down.”

Birdlife has recently launched a brand new crowdfunding campaign #ISAVEBIRDS  to help it save more victims of illegal hunting and carry out its work preventing the illegal hunting of birds in Malta. “It is only with the support of generous donations that we are able rescue, rehabilitate and release birds that have fallen victim to illegal hunting to ensure they can continue their epic migratory journey.”

http://www.zaar.com.mt/projects/isavebirds.