Fined €610 for illegal bird netting

Illustration only

Algeciras man caught by Guadiaro River area near Jimena

ALGECIRAS They used to be a delicacy available almost anywhere in the countryside: pajaritos fritos (fried little birds, see illustration below). Today they are illegal but sometimes available furtively. Presumably the man from Algeciras caught some time back and now fined €610 for netting ten goldfinches, ten greenfinches and two chamarines (can't find the English, but we know they're often crossed with canaries, and sing well - anyone know?). His fine was not only for possessing the birds' bodies but, in accordance with Article 74 of the Law of Wild Flora and Fauna, but also for 'possession, use and trading of forbidden capture methods without authorization'.SEE PHOTO BELOW>>>

Delicacy or necessity?