WATCH: Rare Bird Illegally Shot At Salina Reserve In The Dead Of Night

Earlier this week a Xifa (known as an Avocet in English) was illegally shot down at Salina. This unusual species rarely comes to Malta due to its irregular migration patterns. 

The protected bird was shot down in the protected area during closed season.

The Xifa was first spotted at the Għadira Nature Reserve a week ago where present families got the chance to witness the bird in its natural habitat. 

The bird left Għadira and flew to the Salina Nature Reserve where it settled down for a couple of days. 

The Avocet was shot between the 26th and 27th May. As soon as BirdLife Malta was informed of the shooting and reported the incident to the Police. 

It is thought that either someone broke into the Reserve to shoot it, or shot illegally from the salt pans close by.

Birdlife Malta staff retrieved the bird’s carcass from the water early yesterday morning.

Kaċċaturi San Umbertu condemn the shooting of the Xifa which took place over the weekend. They are calling on the authorities to investigate the shooting as they have been following the bird since the 20th of May to monitor its wellbeing. 

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