Guest guest Posted July 3, 2001 Report Share Posted July 3, 2001 Where have all the birds gone? Dr John Taverner - Dorridge, Solihull, UK Click on the link to read the full article http://www.independent.com.mt/daily/lettersview.asp?id=385 Birdtours shoots back John Girdley - - Click on the link to read the full article http://www.independent.com.mt/daily/lettersview.asp?id=382 Boycotting Malta Roberto Boranga - Click on the link to read the full article http://www.independent.com.mt/daily/lettersview.asp?id=379 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web posted on July 3, 2001 at 9:00:00 AM CET THE MALTA INDEPENDENT Where have all the birds gone? On my first and last visit to Malta recently, we could not understand why there was no birdsong. Your beautiful island has no birdlife of significance. There were hardly any seabirds seen on boat trips. The reason – multiple cages holding these wild creatures. I have also read that hunters shoot anything flying, not for the table, but as a sport. I thought that Malta GC was an island of heroes, not of some pathetic cowards. Dr John Taverner Dorridge, Solihull, UK ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web posted on July 3, 2001 at 9:00:00 AM CET THE MALTA INDEPENDENT Birdtours shoots back Malta remains the George Cross Island in the eyes of most of the UK population, fondly remembered for its courageous people of old. Now, as then, there are villains and heroes. Since my initial letter on this subject, I have been in contact with several prominent Maltese conservationists. It is clear to me that the present villains are the hunters. They are shooting migratory birds that are conservation priorities in most of northern Europe. A Honey Buzzard lucky enough to make it to the UK, would have thousands of admirers during its stay, generating a huge amount of tourist revenue. The first Ospreys to nest in Scotland have brought in over a million visitors since they first colonised in the 1950s. Tourist revenues have completely revitalised the local economy. Conversely, Maltese hunters are scaring away legitimate tourists and damaging Malta’s fine reputation. The heroes of Malta are the Justin Vassallos [of Birdlife Malta] of this world, forced to watch as birds are shot out of the sky on supposed nature reserves. Unarmed and yet facing down hunters with guns. I have an article by Justin on my website http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/malta/malta1/malta.htm He actively encourages birders from across Europe to visit and help to monitor the slaughter. Read the article – it is a real eye-opener. For the record, I am not a travel agent, I am a teacher. I do however publish a large website dedicated to the travelling ornithologist. I also know that the off-season, (migration time) eco-tourist revenues of Mediterranean islands like Mallorca and Lesbos are enormously valuable to their economies and their people. Hotels full of birdwatchers if you can believe it! John Girdley www.birdtours.co.uk _______________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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