The Open Day attracted more than thirty visitors, which made it worthwhile. Thank you for coming and thanks to the helpers too!

The full day spent there confirmed the absence of Turtle Doves; their gentle purring on early summer days could now be gone from the meadow forever unless there is a change in their fortunes: this would be assisted by a cessation of the widespread shooting and trapping of this species in Malta, which has been illegal since their accession to the EU in 2004 but not enforced. A recent ruling by the EU ordered the enforcement of the law but, it seems, too late for our birds and it remains to be seen whether the Maltese government acts with sufficient toughness on the hunters.

Holly Blues are having a good season; I saw one in the Meadow in late May which I think was my first for the site.