Bird of prey migration during September was unusually concentrated over four days in the first half of the month. Luckily weather conditions favoured bird of prey migration at high altitudes on these dates as a result of which most birds of prey were spared from illegal shooting.

However there were plenty other cases of illegal hunting throughout September, including two flamingoes and a glossy ibis at Delimara on 15 and 19 September respectively, as well as several cases of illegal hunting on Eleonora’s falcons, purple herons, night herons, white storks, marsh and Montagu’s harriers and honey buzzards, Audouin’s gulls, most of which are endangered species. Colourful or common birds such as bee eaters and swallows were again the target of indiscriminate shooters.

Illegal sea shooting was

also prevalent with some flamingoes reported shot off the Marsalforn/Ramla coast in Gozo. Hunting from seacraft is forbidden before 1 October when the sea-hunting season is on. Hunting at sea is also forbidden within 3km from the shore.

BirdLife Malta said the penalties for offences related to illegal hunting are not harsh enough to be a deterrent to hunters who break the law. While congratulating the ALE for the law enforcement work it is carrying out, it urges the authorities to beef up the ALE further, both in Malta and Gozo, in order to stamp out the illegal hunting syndrome. It is evident that there is scope for increasing resources for bird protection law enforcement as there are still many who abuse. BirdLife Malta also urges the public to report infringements to the police.