Hunters reportedly kill hundreds of migratory birds stranded by thunderstorm in Malta
A multi-day thunderstorm over the Mediterranean Sea struck Malta, stranding hundreds of passing migratory birds on Sept. 14, 2026. Hunters in the country then shot hundreds of those birds, including protected species, shows evidence gathered by the conservation NGO Birdlife Malta. Malta sits on the Central European-Mediterranean flyway that millions of migratory birds use annually […]
A multi-day thunderstorm over the Mediterranean Sea in Malta on Sept. 14, 2026, led to the stranding of hundreds of migratory birds, prompting hunters to shoot over 500 European turtle doves and more than 150 little egrets, according to evidence gathered by conservation NGO Birdlife Malta. Malta, situated on the Central European-Mediterranean flyway, sees millions of migratory birds annually, making it particularly vulnerable to "bird falls" caused by severe weather systems.
Antonia Micallef, public engagement executive at BirdLife Malta, explained that the high concentration of birds makes them easier targets for hunters, who number over 10,000 in the country. Despite an official quota of 500 European turtle doves allowed in autumn, the season was closed on Sept. 14, but BirdLife Malta documented continued hunting in the days following the storm.
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