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Spring Watch Malta 2010
April 11th – April 30th
What is Spring Watch Malta about?
Spring Watch Malta is a conservation camp which forms an integral part of BirdLife Malta’s fight against illegal spring hunting. This camp is being organised during the peak spring migration period in Malta and thus the period with the highest expected hunting intensity.
During Spring Watch 2009, over 50 people from 8 different European countries attended. Over the two-week period, a total of 1,397 illegal hunting and trapping incidents were recorded. In spring 2009 the hunting season did not open.
Photo by Nadja Tschovikov
Why is Spring Watch Malta Important?
Last year, a decision by the European Court of Justice ruled against the government of Malta for opening spring hunting seasons between 2004 - 2007. Despite this ruling, the hunter’s federation is lobbying strongly for a spring hunting season and the government has announced that it is considering a derogation to permit spring hunting. If this is the case, then volunteers will be needed to demonstrate the impact of this hunting season by recording the extent of hunting in spring, while at the same time deterring illegal hunters from targeting protected species. It is vital that BirdLife Malta maintains a strong presence in the countryside to deter illegal hunters from breaking the law, as well as record data on migratory species.
This camp will be crucial to the protection of a wide range of migratory species (including birds of prey, herons, bee-eaters, golden orioles etc.) which use Malta as a critical resting and feeding stop-over on their way back to European breeding grounds.
Photo by Geoffrey Saliba
What’s in it for you?
This is an excellent chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation andexperience life in another country. You will be given the opportunity to get involved inserious conservation work and, more importantly, play a part in Malta’s fight to stop illegal spring hunting.
What does the Spring Watch Malta camp consist of?
If spring hunting is banned, the scope of the camp will consist of monitoring the countryside to record any hunting activity taking place. This will involve using both static and active observation posts to look for hunters in the countryside, reporting any illegal activity to the police authorities, recording evidence using hand-held video and still cameras, and keeping illegal hunters under observation until the police arrive at the scene.
If spring hunting is not banned, the work of the camp will focus on recording the impact of intensive hunting on migrating Turtle Dove and Quail to demonstrate the negative impact of these activities. The camp will also record the illegal hunting of protected species and liaise with police to make sure the criminals are apprehended.
Camp activities are carried out every day during the morning and afternoon. As well as monitoring migration of Turtle Dove and Quail, participants will also record migration of a range of other migratory species, including raptors, herons, bee-eaters, orioles and hirundines.
Photo by Nadja Tschovikov
When not working on the main Spring Watch Malta objectives, participants are free to choose from a variety of planned and non-planned activities. These include both birding-related activities (such as birdwatching trips to local nature reserves) and other leisure activities such as cultural visits to historic sites, and other social activities. Participation in some of these activities may include an extra cost. In the evening there will be workshops, discussions and films organized for the participants.
What skills do you need to join Spring Watch Malta?
All one really needs is enthusiasm and motivation to fight against illegal spring hunting and hunting of protected species. However, a number of volunteers are required to have good bird identification skills to accurately identify bird species and record data on migration.
For those without identification skills, a crash course in bird ID skills will be provided twice during the duration of the camp.
Please note that English is the working language of this camp and all presentations andsummaries will therefore be carried out in English.
What about accommodation, food and transport whilst in Malta?
BirdLife Malta organizes group accommodation in a hotel. This hotel also acts as the base of all activities during the camp. Standard accommodation in the form of three or four persons sharing a room with a bathroom will be provided. Should anyone wish to have a single room an extra charge will apply.
The hotel is a 4-star complex near the Salina salt pans and a national park. It boasts 2 swimming pools (both inside and out), 2 bars, a mini-shop, free wi-fi access in public areas, a games room, room terrace, Jacuzzi, sauna, small gym, spa treatments and nightly entertainment. Each room has a balcony, TV, hair dryer, mini fridge and safe.
Accommodation, food and transport (during camp activities) will be organized for the group.
How long does the camp last?
The camp starts on Sunday 11th April and lasts for almost 3 weeks ending on Friday 30th April. Volunteers may come for one or two weeks, depending on their availability and the flight schedule. It is advisable that attendees arrive on Saturdays or Sundays as this will help with the logistical planning of the camp.
How much does the camp cost?
The cost per person per night is EURO 24.00. This includes:
-Shared accommodation in the hotel (three/four persons in one room);
- Continental and English breakfast;
- Packed lunch;
- Cooked buffet dinner;
- Water during meals;
- All transport during camp activities.
Not included in the above cost:
- other drinks (during and after meals);
- activities which are not essential to the camp’s operation;
- anything else not mentioned above.
Airport transfers will be organised for you. The cost of the airport transfer is EURO 23 per transfer. We will help to organise shared airport transfers when people arrive or depart on the same flights, therefore the cost of the taxi will be shared if this occurs.
For those wishing single rooms – please contact springwatch@birdlifemalta.org for cost.
How do I book?
There are three stages to book. The first stage is to get in touch with Miss Nix Rust on springwatch@birdlifemalta.org. Next you will fill in and email a booking form which Nix will send to you. After this, the third and final stage is that you will be required to pay a deposit of 50% of your stay direct to the hotel to confirm your booking. The remainder of the hotel payment will be due on arrival at the hotel.
What weather should I expect?
Weather in Malta is typically Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. By the end of March and beginning April the weather starts improving. Historically, April has had a highest ever recorded temperature of 29.4 Celsius and lowest ever of 6.5 Celsius. On average, the temperature ranges from 20 Celsius during the day to 13 Celsius during the night. It is probable that on some of the days it will rain, so please bring raincoats and layers with you, as well as sun screen and hats.
Further information
For more information or to make bookings simply send an email to springwatch@birdlifemalta.org outlining any information you require.