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Antonia Micallef

@amicallef.bsky.social
64 followers 94 following 60 posts

Public Engagement Executive @birdlifemalta.bsky.social Journalism background & communications professional

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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We need stronger enforcement and protection for wild birds, not weaker penalties for those who break the law!
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
“With the looming prospect of reduced consequences for hunting illegalities, this editorial is particularly timely.“
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
“The countryside has been allowed to be taken over by a hunting culture in which, far too often, hunters appear to believe they can do as they please,” Birdlife remarked. “This is a grave and deeply unfair situation that cannot go unnoticed.” www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/nationa...
maltatoday.com.mt
Hunters target storm-stranded migratory birds as BirdLife reports widespread illegalities
Birdlife calls on government, the FKNK, and Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield to take responsiblity for the situation and upscale resources for the Environmental Protection Unit
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Just 3 days after the launch of @birdlifeglobal.bsky.social State of the World’s Birds report (sowb.birdlife.org) revealed that almost half of the world’s migratory bird species are in decline, Malta experienced an extraordinary bird-fall. Thousands of birds arrived seeking shelter from the storm.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Discover the State of the World’s Birds!🐦 This sixth edition by BirdLife International focuses on migratory birds and their flyways, and what they reveal about the state of nature, the drivers of biodiversity loss, and the solutions needed to reverse declines.🗺️ Find it here👉 www.sowb.birdlife.org
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Birds know no borders. Neither do we. 🌍  We are attending the Global Flyways Summit, uniting scientists, conservationists and policymakers with finance, business and government to protect the flyways connecting our planet.️🐦  Because birds cross borders, and so must our work.🙌
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Discover why protecting Comino’s tranquillity and natural habitats matters.
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Reuters @reuters.com · 13/08/2026
🔊 'It's now leaking oil into the sea at an exponential rate.' Greenpeace warns about the growing oil spill off Oman's coast. Hear why it's such a threat on the Reuters World News podcast reut.rs/4bPbsJH
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Yesterday, a BirdLife Malta team filmed a hunter shooting at a flock of around 30 protected Squacco Herons resting along the Żonqor coast. Three birds were killed. EPU officers were alerted & later apprehended the hunter & a second individual assisting him. birdlifemalta.org/2026/08/hunt...
birdlifemalta.org
Hunter filmed shooting flock of protected Squacco Herons at Żonqor coast; EPU apprehends suspects
A hunter has been filmed shooting at a flock of protected Squacco Herons along the Żonqor coast yesterday morning, killing three birds. The incident was witnessed and documented by a BirdLife Malta…
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
🧂🌿 What a fantastic first day at Salt Fest 2026! Didn't make it yesterday? Today is your last chance to experience Salt Fest! 📍 Salina Nature Reserve 🕓 16:00–20:30 🎟️ Free entry Come and join us! See you at Salina! 🧂🌅 #SaltFest #FestaMelħ #SalinaNatureReserve #BirdLifeMalta
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
See you this weekend!
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
See you at Salina this weekend!
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Our centre-spread feature on the remarkable history of the Salina salt pans is featured in today's The Malta Independent on Sunday and is now available online. Read it, share it, and join us at #SaltFest on 25 & 26 July to experience Salina for yourself. www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
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Petra Michaela @petramichaela.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
As environmental challenges mount, many people are beginning to rethink the true meaning of wealth. Perhaps the greatest treasures are not hidden underground at all. They are the living landscapes that sustain life itself and make our planet a place we can call home.
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Feliks the eagle back home in Serbia after kidnap ordeal in the Middle East www.euronews.com/embed/2906023
euronews.com
Video. Feliks the eagle back in Serbia after kidnap ordeal in Middle East
Video. Feliks' ordeal highlighted both the widespread practice of profit-driven, illegal animal trade and an unfaltering struggle by animal protection groups to counter it.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
On World Seabird Day, we celebrate 3 incredible seabird species that breed on the Maltese Islands. Discover some of the fascinating adaptations that allow them to thrive between land & sea: the European Storm Petrel, Scopoli’s Shearwater, & the Yelkouan Shearwater. #WorldSeabirdDay #BirdLifeMalta
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Five eggs. Five chicks. Countless nest visits every day. 🐣 A lot has changed in just two weeks. See how our Barn Swallow family is getting on and watch the action live from the nest. 👀 Tune in now – there's always something happening. 👉 bit.ly/blmswallowsnest #BarnSwallows #NestCam #BirdLifeMalta
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
#Malta has recorded the highest level of concern in the European Union over the #loss of natural areas to other land uses, with 72% of respondents identifying the issue as a major threat to #biodiversity, according to a Eurobarometer survey. Read more 👇 www.italpress.com/malta-tops-e...
italpress.com
Malta tops EU for concern over loss of natural areas
Malta tops EU for concern over loss of natural areas
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Professor Renald Blundell of the University of Malta called for a reassessment of fireworks regulation and for an honest reckoning with the balance between cultural tradition and the protection of agricultural land, water resources, tourism and human health. newsbook.com.mt/en/salini-fi...
newsbook.com.mt
Salini fireworks explosion could have killed up to 5,000, scientist warns
A scientist has warned that the explosion at a fireworks factory in the Salini area on 1 June could have killed between 4,000 and 5,000 people had it occurred closer to a residential area, as he calle...
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Definitely a troubling signal for #nature www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
independent.com.mt
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Today is #WorldEnvironmentDay, a global moment to protect our planet. But here in Malta, it comes right on the heels of a massive ecological blow. If you want to see safer regulations and better protection for our environment, sign the petition: c.org/F9FXPY6F8W
c.org
Sign the Petition
Petition for Safer, More Responsible Fireworks Regulations in Malta and Gozo.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Ten environmental NGOs are warning that proposals to weaken penalties for wildlife crime and potentially reinstate banned hunters and trappers represent a dangerous step backwards for Malta. Read the joint statement. birdlifemalta.org/2026/05/join...
birdlifemalta.org
Joint statement: Government should work against wildlife crime not reward it
Environmental crimes rob the public of its shared natural heritage and undermine the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems that belong to all of society. Proposals to reduce penalties for wildlife...
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Protecting birds and nature should never come second to political convenience or lobbying pressure. Malta deserves leadership that respects wildlife, the law and the common good.
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Research isn’t just about making claims. It’s about publishing methods, data, records and findings for scrutiny. That’s exactly what Il-Merill has been doing since 1970. Here’s the latest issue of BirdLife Malta’s ornithological journal.
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
An open spring hunting season served as a cover. Illegal hunting increases when hunters are out under the excuse of legally targeting Turtle-doves and Quail, resulting in #birds that should have continued their journey to Europe to breed instead ending their lives in Malta.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
As of 12pm, the spring hunting season 2026 is now finally closed and shooting is no longer permitted. Any hunting activity observed in the coming days should be reported to BirdLife Malta on 21347645 (office hours) or 79255697 (outside office hours), or to the Police on 119 indicating the location.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
A bird was killed. But the real question is whether justice will be too. In this opinion piece, BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana explains why this case is about far more than wildlife crime. It is a test of law, enforcement, and political will. Read and share: www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opin...
maltatoday.com.mt
Killing a bird is more than a wildlife crime
Where two laws have been broken, two laws must be enforced. Anything less risks turning clear legal principles into optional ones
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
When enforcement itself flags a rise in organised poaching, it’s a clear warning sign. Illegal killing of protected wildlife is becoming more coordinated. Stronger enforcement on the ground is no longer optional. It’s essential to protect biodiversity. www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
independent.com.mt
‘Quite worrying’: EPU inspector flags rise in organised poaching and dangerous animal ownership - The Malta Independent
Organised poaching for profit and a growing trend in the ownership of dangerous animals are among the most worrying environmental crime trends currently being investigated in Malta, Police inspector
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Read our press release regarding the tracking of four rehabilitated Common Kestrels, highlighting their movements and the concerns for their safety as the spring hunting season opens 👉 birdlifemalta.org/2026/04/trac...
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
The #TourismForEurope journey continues Now online after the EP showcase, featuring best practices across Europe. Proud to be part of this initiative by the European Travel Commission with our project Salina Nature Reserve – From saltpans to wildlife haven 👉 tourismforeurope.eu/experiences/...
tourismforeurope.eu
Discover a hidden corner of Malta’s coast
Salina Nature Reserve sits on Malta’s northern coastline, where saltpans meet wetlands, and the sea air carries birdsong. For years, this historic saltpan site
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Earlier this week, another leading editorial, this time by Times of Malta, highlighted a harsh reality: cruelty persists, while political courage is nowhere to be seen. This reflects a deeper failure to act, enforce, and protect what matters. Read the editorial:
timesofmalta.com
Editorial: Cruelty and political cowardice
Enforcement, when this happens, only addresses the symptoms of a deeper system that tolerates and enables illegal hunting and trapping
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
An editorial by The Malta Independent exposes a troubling pattern: political convenience continues to override science, law, and environmental responsibility. This is not leadership. It is political cowardice. Read the editorial: www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
The majority at the Ornis Committee meeting, once again chose to align with political pressure rather than base decisions on scientific evidence and conservation needs. timesofmalta.com/article/spri...
timesofmalta.com
Conservationists attack 'spineless' decision to open spring hunting season
Quail and turtle dove hunting opens in April
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Simar Nature Reserve’s buffer zone has been transformed into a thriving natural space 🌿 Restored habitats, improved access, and free daily entry - for both people and nature. Read more 👇 birdlifemalta.org/2026/03/sima...
birdlifemalta.org
Simar buffer zone transformed into a natural and accessible space for the community
A buffer zone that had been neglected for many years next to Simar Nature Reserve has now been transformed into a new natural space for the public. The 3,200-square-metre site, which has always formed...
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
BirdLife Malta condemns a shocking act of cruelty: a protected Common Kestrel killed in a brutal, illegal incident. This is cruelty driven by unrestrained egoism & a distorted sense of entitlement. #Malta deserves better. Our wildlife deserves protection. Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2026/03/wild...
birdlifemalta.org
Wildlife crime caught on camera: protected Common Kestrel killed in brutal act
BirdLife Malta unequivocally condemns the brutal act documented today, where a protected Common Kestrel (Spanjulett) was killed in a cruel and revolting manner. While we have long stated that hunting ...
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Gozo’s natural sites need stronger enforcement to stop environmental abuse. We continue to document illegal hunting & trapping of protected birds. Without action, these crimes persist. We support the call for an EPU Police presence in Gozo. Sign here 👉 parlament.mt/en/sign-peti...
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
www.euronews.com/2026/03/17/e...
euronews.com
Scientist calls for nature-friendly farming to save Europe’s birds
Intensive farming is behind the disappearance of European birds, an expert tells Euronews Green.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
How Dinja Waħda is bringing nature back into Maltese schools. At De La Salle College, work has started to transform three tumoli of school grounds into gardens, wildlife habitats & flexible learning spaces that connect classrooms with the outdoors. Read more:
independent.com.mt
Growing nature, growing minds: Blurring the boundary between nature and education with Dinja Waħda - The Malta Independent
The ground trembles. A bulldozer inches forward, gathering fallen stones. A loader follows, picks up soil and gently lays it on a mound. A transformation is underway. A year down the line, this
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
#MaltaVision2050 speaks about sustainability, biodiversity protection & aligning with EU commitments. Yet reopening new trapping licences moves us in the opposite direction. There cannot be a credible long-term vision for Malta while expanding activities that should have been phased out years ago!
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
🤯 #traffic #qualityoflife timesofmalta.com/article/malt...
timesofmalta.com
Malta's roads are the second most congested in the world, study finds
Congestion in Malta significantly ahead of the rest of Europe, TomTom study finds
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Fancy a meeting in a castle to decide the future of 450 million Europeans? This is what 27 EU leaders are doing today, without you even knowing it 🤷 Find out more in our video & join 170,000+ people who signed the petition to defend nature laws: birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnatu... #HandsOffNature
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Second print run announced 📖 A hundred experiences of a bird photographer in Malta is back after the first edition sold out. 🎯 Early-bird pre-order €15 (25% off) 📅 Until 7 March Secure your copy: birdlifemalta.org/product/a-hu...
birdlifemalta.org
A hundred experiences of a bird photographer in Malta
Pre-order your edition of A hundred experiences of a bird photographer in Malta here! This is a pre-order for the upcoming second print run. Payment of €15 confirms your early-bird booking. You...
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Today on World Wetlands Day 2026, a coalition of NGOs launched the #HandsOffNature petition, calling for the defence of EU environmental laws. As a partner of BirdLife International, BirdLife Malta supports this call to keep nature protected. Add your voice: birdlifemalta.org/handsoffnature-petition
birdlifemalta.org
#HandsOffNature petition
It will take you 1 minute to say 'MY HEALTH AND NATURE ARE NOT UP FOR SALE' Powerful polluting industries and their political allies are dismantling Europe’s environmental laws - trading our health...
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
1 day left to sign our #BanLeadNow petition! Demand a strong ban on lead ammunition & fishing weights. Lead poisons wildlife, puts children’s health at risk, & has no safe level of exposure. The Commission’s proposal won’t go far enough without public pressure ✍️https://banleadnow.com/get-involved/
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
🙌
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
BirdLife works for nature and people. As scientific evidence shows, lead pollution harms wildlife, human health, and the environment we all depend on. Sign it now: banleadnow.com/get-involved/
banleadnow.com
Ban Lead Now | Sign Our Petition
Demand the end of lead poisoning. Lead ammunition and fishing weights must not pose a risk to European citizens, environment and wildlife.
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Over 16,000 #WhiteWagtails counted across Malta Our annual roost count highlights how vital urban trees are for wintering birds. Thanks to volunteers, the public, Valletta Mayor & APS Bank for joining us. Protecting mature Ficus trees means protecting urban wildlife. #UrbanNature #CitizenScience
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
BirdLife Malta has received the European Innovative Teaching Award 2025 in School Education in Brussels for the Erasmus+ project Blooming Schools. The project brings biodiversity into schools, creating wildlife-friendly gardens & empowering students to learn by doing & become environmental citizens.
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Antonia Micallef @amicallef.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Poor street lighting is not just a safety issue. Poorly planned artificial light at night disrupts human health, road safety & wildlife, altering natural behaviours in birds & other species. Smart, nature-friendly lighting matters, for people & biodiversity. timesofmalta.com/article/poor...
timesofmalta.com
Malta's poor street lighting is ‘harming health and road safety’
Nine years of observing light pollution led researchers to a worrying conclusion
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BirdLife Malta @birdlifemalta.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Do you love keeping things organised and want to make a difference in conservation? BirdLife Malta is looking for a Bookkeeper & Admin Officer to support our finance, office admin & ESC projects. Full details here: birdlifemalta.org/about/jobs Apply by 31 January 2026.
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