The largest flock of White Storks (Cikonji Bojod)ever recorded in Malta shot at from several different locations, as the rare birds sought overnight shelter in Malta.
At least six storks were seen shot down, while another injured stork
was recovered but had to be euthanized by a vet. Yet another two injured
storks were recorded in flight with dangling legs and missing feathers.
A shot Glossy Ibis (Velleran), another rare migratory bird for Malta, was also received by BirdLife from Zabbar.
On the 18 May, around 200 White Storks arrived in Malta. The BirdLife
Malta office immediately informed the police and mobilised its field
teams to monitor the birds and ensure their safety.
A hunter was reportedly apprehended by the ALE after shooting one of
the Storks in Madliena, and another was apprehended by the ALE in
Zurrieq with two dead storks.
The flock eventually flew towards the Luqa airport area and two
groups roosted at Ta’ Kandja and Zurrieq. BirdLife Malta teams, the ALE
and two MEPA environment officers watched over the birds until they
roosted in the evening. BirdLife Malta, joined by 9 local volunteers,
maintained a watch through the night on the two known roost sites at Ta’
Kandja and Zurrieq.
During the night watch both teams heard distant shots coming from other areas.
A member of the public reported an injured stork in his field in
Zurrieq. The protected bird was recovered by BirdLife and taken to an
independent vet. However it had to be euthanized due to substantial
gunshot injuries, including an open fracture to wing and a fractured
leg.
On the 19 May morning, BirdLife volunteers recorded several shots on
the birds that left their roosts and at least one other Stork was shot
down. The team also filmed another Stork with a dangling leg, consistent
with typical gunshot injuries.
“The sighting of White Storks is a reason for joy in many countries
around Europe as they are one of the most majestic species that
represent the phenomenon of bird migration. Yet, in Malta their
appearance causes enforcement officials and bird watchers to rush to
their vehicles to protect them from the brutal hunting we witnessed over
the last 24 hours.” said Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta conservation
and policy officer.
“Despite the efforts of our teams, the police, and MEPA’s environment
officers at least seven storks were killed. Some of the birds are still
flying over Malta and if they do not continue with their journey but
decide to spend another night, we fear that more might be slaughtered.”
continued Barbara.
BirdLife Malta calls on the Office of the Prime Minister to
significantly increase minimum penalties for illegal hunting, and
permanently revoke licenses for all serious hunting and trapping
contraventions, as this scenario repeats itself in the Maltese islands
every single migration season.