Migrating raptors face persecution from poachers’ guns… you can make a difference this autumn. Join Raptor Camp Malta and participate in illegal hunting surveillance and raptor migration monitoring

What is Raptor Camp Malta about?

Since the late 1990s BirdLife Malta has organised a camp during the annual autumn raptor migration period with the aim of curtailing illegal hunting activity and collecting data on bird migration. This is no bird watching holiday, but a serious conservation effort!

Migration and the poaching problem

Malta is situated on one of the main migratory flyways Europe’s birds use to reach their wintering grounds. 398 bird species have been recorded over the islands of which around 170 occur annually. In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta serves as an important resting spot for tired raptors and other bird species – however many birds find persecution from illegal hunters and trappers instead of shelter.

How long does the camp last?

The camp starts on the 11th September and lasts for 2 weeks ending on the 26th September. Volunteers may come for one or two weeks depending on their availability and the flight schedule.

What does the camp consist of?

Illegal hunting surveillance and raptor migration monitoring are the two main elements forming the camp. These are carried out every day during the morning and afternoon. As well as monitoring raptor migration, participants will also record migration of a range of other species including herons, bee-eaters, orioles, thrushes and doves.

When not working on the main Raptor Camp objectives, participants are free to choose from several planned activities, including other birding-related activities such as visits to local nature reserves, and other leisure activities such as cultural visits to historic sites.

Join Malta Raptor Camp. Email raptorcamp@birdlifemalta.org or visit http://www.birdlifemalta.org/conservation/raptorcamp2010/ for more information.
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For more info about Birdlife Malta visit – www.birdlifemalta.org or join our Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104604401895#/group.php?gid=46653178878
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