The research period for seven species of Songbirds and the trapping season for Song Thrushes (Malvizz) will open on 20 October, while trapping for Golden Plovers will begin on 1 November, the Ministry for Gozo has announced.

The government said the decisions followed recommendations by the ORNIS Committee.

The Songbird research project will run from 20 October to 20 December 2026, with participants required to release any birds caught back into the wild immediately after checking whether they carry a scientific ring.

Participants must report each bird caught, including its species and number, by calling the freephone number 8000 2020 from a mobile number registered in their name or through the Game Reporting MT app Reports are confirmed by SMS.

Anyone who catches a scientifically ringed bird must also record the relevant details on the ring-reporting form issued with their special licence and report the capture on the same day. Participants are encouraged to take a short video showing birds being released at the same location where they were caught.

Those taking part in the research project must also report their research effort whenever they participate but do not catch any songbirds, using the same phone number or app before leaving the site.

Meanwhile, the trapping season for song thrushes will run from 20 October to 31 December 2026, while the season for golden plovers will run from 1 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.

The government has set a national quota of 5,000 song thrushes and 700 golden plovers.

Licensed trappers must immediately report every Song Thrush and Golden Plover caught through the 8000 2020 freephone service or the Game Reporting MT app. If a bird carries  a scientific ring, the details must also be recorded on the relevant form issued with the special licence.

Trappers must also report their trapping effort whenever they go trapping but do not catch any song thrushes or golden plovers, before leaving the site.

The ministry said the telephone reporting system provides step-by-step instructions through voice messages, while both reporting methods send an SMS confirmation.

Holders of special licences for the research project and trapping seasons are legally required to comply with all regulations governing the respective derogations.