In countries like France, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus, up to 40 million songbirds fall prey to illegal hunters, caught in their trapping devices. Although the sale of killed songbirds is prohibited in most countries, there are hunting seasons. Take a look at the traps in which the weakened migratory birds are caught, e.g. horsehair snares, peppered with juicy berries, that quite naturally represent a big lure. But once the animal gets into one of these loops and tries to get free, it tightens more and more firmly, until the bird chokes to death. Birds who survive are strangled.

Limed twigs are used too. Bundles of twigs are treated with glue and birdseed. When caught, the songbirds mostly maim themselves. They tear up feathers and limbs and die with excruciating pain ... all this to end up on menus in gourmet temples as delicacies for hundreds of Euros. Even in Salzkammergut there are proven Songbird torments. Following a tradition that is on the national list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, bullfinches, siskins, goldfinches and crossbills are captured in autumn.

During the winter months the animals are kept in cages and exhibited. With the first warm sun rays, they can return to their usual freedom. Due to the high stress of captivity, the birds face imminent injury and death. In order to stop an old custom (after all there are no more "witches" burned at the stake nowadays) your help is needed to be able and intervene with UNESCO. Get active!