Snowcap, I can assure you that the situation has improved alot in recent years and less birds are getting illegaly shot each year. Yes of corse there is alot of improvement yet to be acheived but we are arriving there. I remind you that illegalities happen in every country and Malta is no exception. As far as my knowlegde is concerned all Mediterranean countries have problems with illegal hunting and trapping including Sardinia, Cyprus, France, Spain. Lebanon and Italy.
I don't agree that birders should boycott Malta. By doing that you aren't really solving the situation. Actually, it is better to come and show your support. Come to Malta, have a great time and write in our newspapers telling the public that if the situation comes for the best, Malta can become a great tourist destination for eco-tourism and birdwatching!
Malta can be a great place to bird watch. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea our birding calender is dominated by migration. On some days migration is not really evident. A few hours or a change in weather and everything can change with plenty of migrants coming in making it very exiciting.
An advantage also is that Malta is relatively small in size meaning it is easy to get around the island. For example, you can spend the morning seawatching, then visit both reserves in the afternoon and visit another area of your choice in the evening to make the most of a day and the species every site offers. Also Malta is very rich in History and we also have the sea and sunshine so one can easily come for a visit and combine a holiday with a bit of birding, and enjoy other cultural and leisure activities too:t: