Birdlife Malta are fearing for the wellbeing of one of three satellite-tagged turtle doves released last month, after the bird went off radar.

In a Facebook update on Birdlife Malta's official page, the team explains that: "satellite transmission for Marija, who was released on 1st May, went completely dead the following morning." With her last position registered in Gozo, as well as reports of illegal hunting on that day, it is believed that Marija suffered a tragic fate: "We very much fear she was illegally shot down on Gozo before she could continue on."

Her two fellow companions, Hope and Virginijus, were released later that same week but seem to have had better luck: "Hope reached Sicily in two days and stayed put in the eastern part of the island, east of Agrigento," the post reveals.

Most remarkable of all is Virginjus' journey: "[Virginijus] did a staggering 85km of open sea in a few hours - he reached Sicily the same day he was released at 11pm, using the night to cross the open sea! He then continued towards the Italian mainland and reached the Umbrian coast on the 9th where he seems to have settled in for the breeding season."

Wondering where the turtle doves could be now? See for yourself by clicking here!