Malta – A multi-day thunderstorm over the Mediterranean forced hundreds of exhausted migratory birds to land on the island on Sept. 14, 2026. Conservationists say hunters then targeted the grounded flocks, including protected species, according to evidence collected by BirdLife Malta. The incident highlights pressures on one of Europe’s major bird migration routes. ([1])
Why the Timing Matters
Malta lies directly on the Central European-Mediterranean flyway used by millions of birds traveling between European breeding grounds and African wintering areas each year. Strong weather events can trigger a “bird fall,” concentrating tired migrants in small areas where they become far easier to locate. This year’s storm arrived during the peak of the autumn hunting season, amplifying the risk to already vulnerable populations.
How Hunters Responded
BirdLife Malta documented hunters shooting more than 500 European turtle doves shortly after the birds came down. The species is listed as threatened, and its numbers have declined sharply across its range. Malta sets an annual autumn quota of 500 turtle doves, a limit that officials closed once it was reached on the day of the storm.
Despite the closure, volunteers recorded continued shooting of turtle doves in the hours and days that followed. Reports also described hunters firing on a flock of more than 150 little egrets. Malta maintains the highest density of hunters in Europe, with more than 10,000 active at any one time during the season.
Species Under Pressure
European turtle doves and little egrets are among the birds most affected by concentrated hunting after weather disruptions. Both species receive varying levels of protection under European rules, yet enforcement challenges persist in areas with high hunter activity. Conservation groups note that such events can remove significant numbers from already stressed populations in a single day.
What Matters Now
The episode underscores how sudden weather can turn routine migration into a high-risk event for birds already facing habitat loss and hunting pressure. BirdLife Malta continues to monitor compliance with seasonal closures and to push for stronger safeguards during peak migration periods. Observers expect similar incidents whenever intense storms coincide with the autumn hunt, keeping the focus on enforcement and timing of quotas.
