La Línea de la Concepción, Spain - January 02, 2025 A dramatic rescue unfolded in La Línea de la Concepción as authorities released 46 goldfinches back into their natural habitat after they were illegally captured by an individual using prohibited methods. The Guardia Civil’s Nature Protection Unit (UPRONA) intervened after the suspect was found trapping the birds with spring-loaded nets, live decoys, and bird song machines. Upon discovering the trapped birds, the officers immediately set them free, ensuring their safe return to the wild. This illegal trapping, known as silvestrismo, has been banned in Spain since 2018 to protect species like the goldfinch, which are safeguarded under European wildlife conservation laws. The case has been handed over to judicial authorities, and the seized equipment was used in the operation.