Скачать или смотреть Second shot Marsh Harrier of the 2018 spring hunting season

This injured male Marsh Harrier (Bagħdan Aħmar in Maltese) was found by members of the public on the ground at Miżieb on the morning of Sunday 8th April. The hunters’ federation FKNK (Federazzjoni Kaċċaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti) claims that the land where this protected bird of prey was found shot is theirs.

This year’s spring hunting season is open only for Common Quail. Quail hunting is not typically carried out in Miżieb as this area lacks the ideal habitat for it. So any hunting that happens there these days is likely for protected species, like in this case.

The Marsh Harrier was recovered and passed on to BirdLife Malta, and we were able to confirm that the bird had sustained gunshot injuries to both wings. The injuries to the right wing were particularly bad, as seen in this video. The illegally shot bird of prey was also very skinny and it may have been shot a few days before.

Marsh Harriers are common migrants to the Maltese Islands, occurring in large numbers in both the spring and autumn. At this time of the year they will be making their journey to their breeding grounds across northern Europe.

This is the second Marsh Harrier BirdLife Malta has received during the first week of the 2018 spring hunting season. Another shot Marsh Harrier was recovered from Gozo on Friday. These two casualties follow the sighting of an injured Pallid Harrier (Bagħdan Abjad) at Delimara on Sunday 1st April, the first day of this year's spring hunting season.

This video was edited before the protected bird was examined by the vet, who confirmed it was shot. Footage by BirdLife Malta, editing by Nathaniel Attard.