Maltese MEP Alfred Sant visited nesting boxes in Ta’ Qali installed with the aim of breeding species in the Maltese islands. ‘Project Bejta’ has been launched by Kaċċaturi San Ubertu (KSU) with the aim of breeding various birds including Swift, Pallid Swift, Spanish Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Swallow, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher, Starling, Common Kestrel and the Peregrine Falcon.

400 manmade nesting boxes have been installed in several locations around the Maltese islands.

San Ubertu officials told the Maltese MEP that have already recorded the first three successful breeding records in Malta of Spotted Flycatchers in manmade nesting boxes where four fledglings have been recorded.

The Maltese MEP lauded Kaċċaturi San Ubertu for this initiative. Such initiatives present a positive image of local hunters and counters negative connotations related to hunters in Malta and Europe. The Maltese MEP said he fully understands the frustration of Maltese hunters who feel discriminated when compared to other hunters in Europe. But the Maltese government signed the contract with the present conditions when Malta joined the EU. These rules cannot be reversed and it’s not fair to create false hopes.

 “I will never give false hopes to hunters,”. said Alfred Sant.

KSU officials and members contribute voluntary work involving educational lectures related to ornithology, hunting laws, Natura 2000, gun safe handling, agro-tourism and matters related to the official hunting body the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU). They  have also initiated a tree planting pilot scheme as part of a national afforestation initiative. KSU members have this year planted 450 indigenous trees, sponsored by government, on their private property.

The installation, maintenance and monitoring of these nest boxes is being carried out by KSU volunteers.

Mark Mifsud Bonnici, President, Nyal Xuereb, Secretary and Eman Portelli and Marcus Camilleri were present during the meeting.