A flock of 10 honey buzzards that reached Gozo early on Thursday evening were given a hot lead-pellet welcome by illegal hunters in several locations. BirdLife Malta received reports that at around 6pm, a small flock of honey buzzards that was soaring over Ramla Valley, were seen flying low towards Nadur. Soon after, shots were heard ringing out from Nadur, as the birds were probably searching for a roosting place for the night. Later in the evening, more shots were fired in volleys of five from the San Blas and Dahlet Qorrot areas, followed by more shooting later on. Shooting from this area was heard as late as 8pm.

A single honey buzzard was also observed in Ramla Valley in late evening and it too was followed by the sound of shooting.

BirdLife Malta is aware that the police in Gozo were alerted and that they went to the area.

The news comes hot on the heels of another illegal hunting case in Malta earlier this week, when eight white storks that reached islands were given a similar welcome. BirdLife Malta again demands continued patrols by the respective ALE sections on the islands, as it is evident that there are still hunters who insist on breaking the law in spite of such birds being protected species.

The hunting season closed on 23 May, yet many hunters were still taking a chance, especially after it transpired that ALE police had stopped their patrols to check on illegal hunting.