Surfbirds News

Eleonora's Falcon, copyright Marc Thibault

What’s in it for you?

This is an excellent chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation and experience life in another country. You will be given the opportunity to get involved in serious conservation work and, more importantly, play a part in Malta’s fight to stop the illegal hunting of protected species.

What does the camp consist of?

Illegal hunting surveillance and raptor migration monitoring are the two main elements forming the camp. These are carried out every day during the morning and afternoon. As well as monitoring raptor migration, participants will also record migration of a range of other species, including herons, bee-eaters, orioles, thrushes and doves.

When not working on the main Raptor Camp objectives, participants are free to choose from a variety of planned and non-planned activities. These include both birding-related activities and other leisure activities such as cultural visits to historic sites, trips to the other islands, swimming and other social activities. In the evening work shops, discussions and films will be organized for the participants.

Illegal Hunting Surveillance and Raptor Migration Monitoring

Groups of volunteers numbering between 5 and 10 people will be dispatched to areas of Malta which are known for illegal hunting activities and raptor migration. The volunteers will be given tasks relating to either illegal hunting surveillance or raptor migration monitoring.

Illegal hunting surveillance

Volunteers will look out for hunters and watch for illegal hunting activities. Illegal activities will be immediately communicated to base camp and the police will be informed. Volunteers will effectively be working as ‘look-out posts’ to inform police of illegal hunting activities and their whereabouts, as well as trying to gather evidence through cameras and video cameras. At times, in the absence of police, volunteers’ presence is used to curtail illegal hunting activities through a cautionary approach. Past experience shows that the mere presence of birdwatchers who will report infringements to the police is an active deterrent. For the safety of camp participants, security will be provided for each mobile team.

Raptor Migration Monitoring

Volunteers will look out for raptors, identify the species and record basic data. The most common migrants at this time of year are Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard, European Hobby and Common Kestrel, while other migrants include Osprey, Montagu’s Harrier, Eleonora’s Falcon and Lesser Kestrel. Other, rarer, species, including Pallid Harrier, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagles are recorded annually. Data recorded includes species, age and sex (where possible), location, time of sighting, and information about illegal hunting activities such as number of shots heard and whether or not the raptors were targeted.

What skills do you need to join Raptor Camp Malta?

All one really needs is enthusiasm and motivation to fight against illegal hunting of protected species. However, a number of volunteers are required to have basic raptor identification skills. For those without raptor identification skills, a crash course in raptor ID will be provided at the beginning of the camp. All volunteers will be required to participate in chores to look after the camp.

What about accommodation, food and transport while in Malta?

BirdLife Malta organizes group accommodation in a small family run hotel. Accommodation, food, transport (to and from airport and during the camp) will also be organized for the group.

How long does the camp last?

The camp starts on the 8th September and lasts for just over 2 weeks ending on the 23rd September. Volunteers may come for any number of days during this period. Most volunteers spend either one or two weeks depending on their availability and the flight schedule.

How much does the cost?

A small contribution is required to cater for food and accommodation. At EURO 20 (£14 Stg) per person per night or Euro 140 (£98 Stg) for seven nights, the camp includes:

Accommodation in a small family run hotel in the form of two or three bedroom apartments booked specifically for the camp (double rooms also available)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner (catering also for vegetarians)
Transfers on arrival and departure from the airport to the camp
Lectures/presentations/workshops by local experts ornithologists
All transport during working activities and also leisure activities*
* does not include tickets for boat trips to other islands and entrance tickets during cultural visits. These activities are optional.

For more information and to participate simply send an email to raptorcamp@birdlifemalta.org outlining what information you need.