A number of these birds have injuries from which they can recover and could eventually be released back into the wild. However for these birds, this means a long journey to Sicily to a rehabilitation centre in the north of the island. This is a highly stressful journey for the birds, in cramped conditions, and can greatly reduce their chances of recovery.

Our Campaign

BirdLife Malta has been given the opportunity to set up a rehabilitation centre here in Malta. The government have offered a restored farmhouse in Buskett Gardens, a protected area of woodland in the south of Malta. One of the greenest areas on the islands, the gardens provide a quiet and peaceful setting for the birds to recover in. 

The Maltese government will be covering the costs of running the centre, which will include the water and electricity to supply the farmhouse. But BirdLife Malta will have to cover all other costs. This includes funding equipment, food and medicine to treat the birds.

Contributions to this campaign will ensure we can get this centre up and running before the next migration season.

What We Need & What You Get:

We need to raise 28,000 euros. This is the total we estimate it will cost us to cover all the set-up and running costs for the first year.

€1,000 would pay for one injured Marsh Harrier’s stay at the centre

€400 would buy a bird house for an injured Black-winged Stilt

€100 would buy a heating unit to keep a Honey Buzzard warm

€25 would pay for perches for a Scops Owl.

€10 would feed a recovering Swift for one month

Even just getting part way to reaching our target will make a huge difference to our ability to help rehabilitate injured birds. The more money we raise, the more birds we’ll be able to put back in the sky.

FAQs

What are the chances of birds being rehabilitated and released in Malta surviving?

Currently BirdLife Malta transports birds for rehabilitation to a centre in Sicily.  This is very stressful for the birds and reduces their chances of survival.  It is therefore better to rehabilitate birds in Malta to increase their chances of survival.  Birds will be released outside of the hunting season in a safe area, including on the island of Comino which is a bird sanctuary where hunting is not permitted.

How is the government involved in bird rehabilitation?

The government is working with BirdLife Malta to improve bird rehabilitation facilities in Malta.  The government vet responsible for bird rehabilitation is likely to be based at the rehabilitation centre and the centre will specialise in treating and preparing those birds that can be released back in to the wild. We are also working with the government to improve how birds are transported and treated when they are first found to increase the number that can be rehabilitated.

How many more injured birds will be released compared to those that are released at present?

BirdLife Malta and the government regularly release birds with minor injuries once they have had time to recover.  However, many birds of prey and other species have such serious injuries that they cannot be released and have to be euphanised.  A fully functional rehabilitation centre will ensure that many more of these birds can receive longer term treatment so that they can recover and also be released back in to the wild.

The Impact

There is a great need for a well-equipped rehabilitation centre in Malta, to allow these birds rest and recovery in the hands of professionals. This rehabilitation centre has the potential to ensure rare birds such as the Montagu’s Harrier, can make it back to the UK countryside. By giving a bird back its ability to fly, we will be able to give them back their life.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you can't make a donation, please help spread the word about our campaign. Share this page and our video through Facebook and Twitter, and please ask your friends and family to share and donate to our campaign if they can. #SecondChance