Leonardo is one adventurous kid! This Egyptian vulture flew all the way from an Italian conservation reintroduction programme to the south of our islands.
Dwardu Debono via Birds of Malta - Public Group / Facebook
According to a BirdLife Malta post on Facebook, Leonardo “was released in early August at Parco della Murgia Materna (Matera), Basilicata, as part of the LIFE Egyptian Vulture project.”
And it’s not the first time these curious birdies flew to our islands! Another vulture of the same species and from a similar conservation programme pit stopped in Malta four years ago. “It was September 2015 when the satellite-tagged bird nicknamed Tobia spent a night on Malta being guarded by BirdLife Malta and the police.
And just like Tobia in 2015, Leonardo’s movements are being tracked by the satellite tag. BirdLife Malta has requested round-the-clock police protection for the bird and is also monitoring it on site.
Hey, Leonardo seems pretty chilled, perched up there!
Have you spotted Leonardo?