Monday, September 4, 2017, 17:22
Bee eater was treated by vet
Only three days into the autumn
hunting season, BirdLife has reported the first known victim – an injured
European bee eater (Qerd in-Naħal) which it said was shot at Ħal Għaxaq
yesterday.
The bird – a protected species –
was found by people out for a walk on Sunday evening, who saw it crawling on
the ground unable to fly. After being recovered by BirdLife Malta yesterday,
this morning it was taken to the vet’s clinic for a veterinary visit. An X-ray
was taken and it confirmed a fracture to bird’s right wing.
After being recovered by BirdLife
Malta yesterday, this morning it was taken to the vet’s clinic for a veterinary
visit. An X-ray was taken and it confirmed a fracture to bird’s right wing as a
result of shotgun injury. The vet recommended the bird for rehabilitation - in
the hope that it would be saved.
The bee eater can easily be
distinguished thanks to its pointed, downcurved bill, long pointed wings and
tail but above all its rich exotic colours and bright plumage.
It is a specialist in catching
flying insects and is a common migrant with large flocks seen daily during
autumn and spring.
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