Illegal bird hunting activities persist in the close season as the autumn migration starts to unfold slowly.

This Eurasian Curlew was found some 200 metres out of l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha by a member of the public.

The bird had multiple gunshot wounds in its breast and neck and even had part of its bill shot off. Efforts to save the bird proved fruitless and the bird eventually succumbed to the injuries.

The Eurasian Curlew is a large wading bird with a wingspan of about 80cm. At this time of the year they start their migration south from breeding quarters in northern Europe as far as Scandinavia to the African wintering grounds.

BirdLife Malta calls upon the authorities to step up their efforts and resources against illegal hunting.