Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1285850
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2020 PHOTO BY ARON TANTI EYEWITNESS On the move These Little Stints at BirdLife Malta's Ghadira nature reserve are just some of the delights of the autumn migration season which people can enjoy this year. Bird migration is a phenomenon that has been a source of inspiration and curiosity for thousands of years. Being an island between two continents, Malta is a crucial resting place for birds that enables them to build the resources to continue their journey across long distances. BirdLife's #onthemove campaign reveals fascinating facts about migration, by encouraging people to share their bird sightings through an online form at https://bit.ly/ reportasighting. Locals are also needed to volunteer by helping BirdLife Malta watch over migratory birds to ensure they pass over the Maltese islands safely on the way to their wintering grounds. "We are seeking to encourage people to enjoy migration as it happens. This campaign will not only be raising awareness through information but also engaging with the general public to experience the beauty of migration. One does not need to be a bird expert to do this. BirdLife Malta has always placed people engagement at the forefront of its mission, mainly because people who enjoy and care about nature will eventually strive to protect it," BirdLife CEO Mark Sultana said. A crucial part of this campaign will be calling people for action. "Half the work we do at BirdLife Malta would not be possible without the help and collaboration of the general public that inform us on what they are seeing out there. Most of the birds that we rescue, rehabilitate and release are always found by members of the public. Birds need the public to protect them and we can guide people on how to do this," Sarah Brady, BirdLife Malta's Head of Education and Engagement, said. During recent years BirdLife has observed an increase in illegal hunting in Malta and Gozo, with this year so far already being the worst year in the past eight years. "This might be disheartening but it also means that people need to step up and help these birds. In my years working with injured birds I am also witnessing an increase in awareness and care from the general public. I am confident that together we can make a difference to the migrating birds flying over Malta," BirdLife Malta Head of Conservation Nicholas Barbara said.