Protected bird is shot, three days into hunting season

Hunters have shot and wounded a protected species of bird, just three days into the autumn hunting season, says wildlife conservation society Birdlife.

“After only three days of the Autumn hunting season, we already have the first known victim – an injured European Bee-eater (Qerd in-Naħal) which was shot at Ħal Għaxaq yesterday,” Birdlife Malta said in a statement this afternoon.

The shot bird – a protected species – was found by walkers on Sunday evening, crawling on the ground, unable to fly. After it was recovered by BirdLife Malta, the bird was taken to a vet this morning, where X-rays confirmed it had suffered a fractured wing as a result of shotgun pellets. The vet recommended the bird for rehabilitation with the hope that it is saved.

The rescued Bee Eater

The Bee-eater, easily identified by its pointed, downcurved bill, long pointed wings and tail and bright plumage visits the Maltese islands in large groups during autumn and spring.