Is Malta safe for bird watching (1 Viewer)

BillN

Well-known member

• May 20, 2014

• #1

This is a serious question. I was talking to some retired friends at the weekend who are planning a holiday to Malta or Cyprus.
The husband said that he was taking his bins to do a bit of "bird watching" - he had not heard about the TV report of hunting in Malta.

I am trying to persuade them not to go to Malta - does anyone know if any bird watchers has been shot by mistake by hunters in Malta?

Is Malta safe for visitors to walk around in the countryside bird watching or do you have to stick to protected reserves


I have put it in the Cyprus section as there is no section for Malta

 

Last edited: May 20, 2014

dantheman

Bah humbug

• May 20, 2014

• #2

A couple of links you could forard to them if they have internet-

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-241221

http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1753

(They don't say anything about not visiting though, I guess other sites must say this?)

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• May 21, 2014

• #3

It's a long thread, but it puts 'hunting' and 'hunters' on Malta into context.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=209744&highlight=Malta

 

dantheman

Bah humbug

• May 21, 2014

• #4

Not been myself, obviously, but I'd imagine it would be all be rather depressing and demoralising - not many birds and the sound of regular gunshots.

Wandering around with bins may not be 'unsafe' as such, but likely to be stressful and being careful to avoid any possible confrontations. Not really a good holiday imo.

 

BillN

Well-known member

• May 21, 2014

• #5

Just sent the link through, I am sure that they will not consider Malta for another holiday when they see them.

There are many other places to go, although they prefer English speaking places

They have been before and liked the island, they are not "keen" watchers, just an 'older" retired couple interested in nature ……….. but the evidence is compelling against holidays in Malta, even if you are not a "keen" bird watcher there seems to be misery and danger everywhere in their countryside ……… just not worth the personal risk even though most of the people are very nice, (so they tell me).

 

temmie

Well-known member

• May 25, 2014

• #6

What 'nature' would you expect on an overpopulated and deforested island as Malta? Just a serious question. Malta would be seriously down on my priority list in terms of nature, there are other (less) overpopulated and deforested islands in the med. with more birds / nature / ... and less hunting.