[WATCH] Poachers target protected birds in first week of spring

Injured protected birds rescued after being shot at by poachers (Footage: BirdLife Malta)

Birdlife Malta has rescued three illegally shot protected birds as poachers have taken to the countryside in the first week of spring.

The bird conservation group said on Tuesday it had received a number of reports of illegally shot birds over the past week.

The first bird, a Common Kestrel, was found on 23 March, in Birgu. The bird’s left wing appeared to have been shot.

On 24 March, a Scopoli Shearwater was also rescued in Marsaskala. The bird, whose wing had been completely blasted off was found swimming near boats in the area. The group said the bird was clearly shot while out at sea and managed to swim in when it was ultimately recused.

On the same day in Gozo, a Marsh Harrier was also rescued. The bird suffered injuries to the right wing when it was shot.

The government vet has confirmed that all three birds were illegally shot, BirdLife said.

The Ornis committee has recommended a spring hunting season on quail between 10 April and 30 April. The advisory board has to decide whether to recommend opening the season also for turtle dove.