Shot rare bird sent to Sicily for rehabilitation

A Pallid Harrier, one of Europe's rarest birds, will be sent to a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Sicily after it was shot in Gozo on the 8 September, BirdLife Malta said.

The Pallid Harrier is a rare visitor to Malta and is considered to be one of the most threatened birds of prey in Europe.

The juvenile Pallid Harrier was seen being shot by a member of the public in Gozo who gave the injured bird to BirdLife. A veterinary surgeon examined the protected bird and diagnosed a fracture to its right wing.

"Luckily, the injury was not fatal and with proper treatment this bird is expected to make a full recovery. Malta to date does not have the rehabilitation facilities to care for wild birds with these kinds of injuries," said Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager.


Watch video and read on:http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Shot-rare-bird-sent-to-Sicily-for-rehabilitation-20120919


More information on pallid harrier (Circus macrourus):


http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=030085


http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3409