Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544465
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 17 APRIL 2026 NEWS THREE rehabilitated Common Kestrels remain in the Maltese Islands as the spring hunting season opened on Monday, rais- ing concerns over their safety after being released following treatment for gunshot injuries. The birds are among four kes- trels that were rescued after being shot during the last au- tumn hunting season and later rehabilitated under the Wings of Hope project through a col- laboration between BirdLife Malta and the Malta Environ- ment Foundation. The kestrels underwent months of veterinary care be- fore being fitted with GPS- GSM tags and released after the close of the hunting sea- son to reduce risk. Two were released at Foresta 2000 on 10 February, with the remaining two released in the following weeks. Tracking data has since pro- vided detailed information on their movements, feeding and roosting behaviour. One fe- male bird recently moved from Fiddien to Gozo and then to Sicily, while the other three re- main in Malta. Illegal shooting remains a concern, with BirdLife Mal- ta stating that 28 shot kestrels were recovered last year, likely representing only a fraction of those illegally killed. The organisation said Malta provides suitable habitat for the species, which feeds on in- sects, small birds and reptiles and is often seen hovering in open countryside areas. Track- ing has shown that birds spend extended periods in areas in- cluding Miżieb and Aħrax. With the spring hunting sea- son underway, BirdLife Mal- ta has contacted hunting and enforcement bodies regarding the presence of tagged birds in hunting areas, calling for restraint and compliance with regulations. It said more than 300 hunt- ers are expected in some areas from Monday, although only quail hunting is permitted dur- ing the first week of the season. BirdLife Malta said it will continue monitoring and up- dating the public on the birds' movements and urged reports of illegal hunting to the police or the organisation. Concerns raised as tagged kestrels remain in Malta and Gozo ahead of spring hunting season Female Common Kestrel rescued by Gozo Police in Gozo in October 2025 with multiple shotgun pellets in its body. Rehabilitated, tagged and released in Mellieha earlier this year (Photo: BirdLife Malta OVER 20 free cultural and religious activities will take place in Victoria, Gozo on Saturday 2 May 2026 as the Diocese of Gozo hosts the second edition of Shema – Lejl Imdawwal mill-Ewkaris- tija. The event, running between 7pm and midnight, will span churches, public buildings, streets and squares across the island's capital, with per- formances and installations focused on the Eucharist. The programme includes concerts, exhibitions, live performances, children's ac- tivities and open-air artis- tic displays, with audiences guided through different lo- cations via a dedicated map. A wide range of local artists, musicians, choirs and cultur- al groups will take part, in- cluding solo performers, folk groups, dance productions and youth ensembles. A central concert will be held in Independence Square, followed by a fina- le performance by the Gozo Youth Orchestra. The event will also include a live public discussion on the relevance of the Mass, moderated by Fabian Demicoli. Additional activities will begin earlier in the day at the Curia courtyard in Victoria, including a lecture on early liturgical environments in the Holy Land and evening scriptural readings on the Eucharist. An interactive exhibition on the history and development of the Eucharist will also be open in the Curia's under- ground space and will remain open in the following weeks. The Cathedral Museum of Gozo will also open free of charge for the evening. The initiative follows the first edition held in May 2023 and is supported financially by APS Bank. Shema – Night Illuminated by the Eucharist to transform Victoria into faith and culture event A wide range of local artists, musicians, choirs and cultural groups will take part, including solo performers, folk groups, dance productions and youth ensembles