It seems like Malta’s adamant on giving exotic birds reasons never to visit us again…

Less than two weeks ago, a juvenile Greater Flamingo was spotted enjoying some downtime at the Salina Nature Reserve before resuming its migration route.

It seems like the young Flamingo took a liking to his temporary home, as until last Friday it remained in the area, taking off on short flights every now and then.

This all changed last Friday, when according to local environmental NGO BirdLife Malta, the poor creature was shot at.

“Many people were lucky to see the juvenile Flamingo that made our Salina Nature Reserve its home since 25th August. This was a particularly tame bird, with its favourite feeding spot just in front of one of the bird hides,” the NGO wrote.

“Unfortunately, this will not be possible anymore, as last Friday, during one of its regular fly-around circuits, it was shot at from near the chapel just around Salina,” it continued.

BirdLife Malta posted the last image that was taken of the Flamingo before it was shot at.

“We are not aware if the bird managed to fly away or if it succumbed to the shot. What is sure is that it did not return to its favourite feeding spot,” BirdLife Malta concluded.

Only last month, a flock of flamingos was spotted flying over the north of Malta. During this time of year, Flamingos disperse across the Mediterranean Sea in search of lagoons that haven’t yet dried up.

Malta happens to coincide with these birds’ migration route, hence why we get to see so many of them during this period. 

If you spot some suspicious hunting activity, make sure to inform the Environmental Protection Unit of the Malta Police Force on 119 as well as BirdLife Malta on 79255697.