Limited autumn bird trapping season announced

The government has announced the opening of a limited live-capturing season for Golden Plover and Song Thrush. It said the decision to opt for a derogation was taken following a recommendation by the Malta Ornis Committee and consideration of the applicable legal and conservation parameters. The Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) will be receiving applications for a special Autumn Live-Capturing Licence, which will permit the limited trapping of the two bird species under strictly supervised conditions. The live-capturing of Song Thrush shall be permitted between October 20 and December 31 whilst live-capturing of Golden Plover should be permitted between October 20 and January 10 - the same as last year. The decision means no trapping for finches will be allowed, despite a wish expressed by hunters' associations. The bag limit for the Autumn live-capturing season is being set at 5,000 for Song Thrush and 1,150 for Golden Plover. An individual season’s bag limit of six birds per license shall also apply. As was the case last year, licensees shall be required to report each bird caught via sms on the mobile number that will be provided in the licence.