Spring hunting of birds has still been practiced legally for several species on Malta. European Turtle-doves and Common Quails have been hunted during the last years since Malta joined the European Union (EU) despite being protected by the EU Birds Directive . Both species are endangered in many parts of Europe with declining populations. According to Birdlife International, the EU now takes Malta to court over spring bird hunting. Let’s hope that the Maltese government will prohibit spring hunting for 2008 and beyond.