On the frontlines is our monthly newsletter section covering the activities of BirdLife Malta’s conservation, policy and nature reserve (Salina, Simar, Għadira and Foresta 2000) teams, together with an update about rare and scarce bird species observed.
Woman fined after sending BirdLife Malta hostile message
In December 2024, a woman was fined €1,000 for sending a threatening online message to BirdLife Malta. Abuse, whether in person or online, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Incidents like these serve as a reminder that actions have consequences.
Finch trapper receives a lifetime disqualification
Also in December 2024, a trapper caught targeting finches during the spring was fined €2,000 and handed a lifetime ban from holding a trapping licence. This came after BirdLife Malta reported him to the police, who confiscated 31 finches and his trapping equipment on the spot.
End of the trapping season
December marked the end of the controversial trapping derogations, including the so-called finch ‘research’ season (ending 20th December), which has been widely exploited by trappers to capture and keep finches across Malta and Gozo. Song Thrush trapping was permitted until 31st December, while quotas for Golden Plover were declared reached by 27th December, according to the WBRU.
From 1st January, any nets on the ground are completely illegal. If you spot trapping nets, report them to us via Facebook Messenger or email at [email protected]. You can also report directly to the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) on 119. Please note that the hunting season is still open until the 31st of January.
Unattended nets not only break the law but pose a deadly risk to wildlife. Nets should have been covered when not in use during the season and must now be entirely dismantled.
Latest bird releases
December brought some uplifting moments on the rehabilitation front. In Sicily, we released several birds rescued from illegal activities, including a confiscated White Stork, a Jay, a Montagu’s Harrier, and a Kestrel that had been illegally shot. These birds were released abroad because Malta remains unsafe due to persistent illegal hunting.
Additionally, we released a Collared Dove found injured in Valletta, likely from being kept in poor conditions, and a Yellow-legged Gull suffering from an infection. Thanks to successful antibiotic treatment, both birds made full recoveries and were returned to the wild.
Salina Nature Reserve
Sightings
Careful management of water quality and levels in the saltpans created optimal conditions for a wide variety of bird species. Among the throngs of common gulls, the presence of a few uncommon Common Gulls was particularly noteworthy.
An abundant supply of killifish attracted a daily flock of up to 60 Little Egrets, along with several Kingfishers and Black-necked Grebes, all feasting on the small fish. A handful of waders also chose to winter at Salina, including Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Little Stint, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, and a striking Avocet. Regular sightings of Shelducks added to the diversity, with a resident flock of 10 birds in the saltpans and additional migrating flocks passing overhead.
Works
The wooden handrail along the main path was adjusted to align better with existing information displays, while visual screening was installed near the new photographic hide. This allows photographers to access the hide without disturbing birds in the area. The hide is now open, and photographers can book slots online to use this new facility.
A vandalised section of fencing on the wetland side was repaired, preventing trespassers and stray dogs and cats from disturbing the site. Several invasive alien plant species, including fountain grass, giant reed, lead tree, and southern fleabane, were removed. Additionally, numerous tamarisk seedlings that had sprouted spontaneously were carefully uprooted and relocated to more suitable locations.
Għadira Nature Reserve
Sightings
December at Għadira saw daily sightings of common wintering birds such as Chiffchaffs, White Wagtails, Robins, Stonechats, Starlings, Blackcaps, and Black Redstarts, alongside resident species. Regular visitors included Kingfishers, Black-necked Grebes, Little Grebes, and two Common Coots.
Meadow Pipits were scarce this autumn, with only 2–5 seen daily, though a rare Water Pipit made appearances on several occasions. Rare Moustached Warblers were recorded sporadically, while a small flock of Reed Buntings was spotted almost daily.
December also brought notable sightings of ducks, including a flock of seven Mallards, a Pintail, and a Gadwall; a group of 26 Shelducks and three male Shovelers; and frequent sightings of single Shelducks and Teal on other dates. One or two Common Kestrels were regularly seen, and a Wryneck made occasional appearances.
Works
In December, a green roof was installed on the new hide at Għadira. The process involved applying anti-root liquid membrane and geotextile layers, followed by a soil layer. A drip irrigation system was installed and tested before planting began. Halophytic plant species, such as Halimione portulacoides, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, and Limonium virgatum, were selected for their adaptability to the reserve’s saline conditions.
Indigenous Limonium species, kindly provided by ERA and the Plant Health Department, were delivered. These plants were grown at the Plant Biotechnology Centre in Lija using micropropagation techniques. Planting was carried out on various dates at suitable locations within the reserve.
Simar Nature Reserve
Sightings
The unique habitat of Simar continued attracting a varied amount of bird species. Although most birds have settled down for winter, there were still signs of migration.
Perhaps of most significance is the unprecedented high number of Common Coots present. Towards the end of the month more Common Coots arrived adding up to at least 20 birds. Also of importance is the presence of three Mallards. Although it’s one of the commonest birds in Europe, in Malta it’s often regarded as rather scarce even more so in the nature reserves. Another unusual bird for winter at Simar is the presence of a Grey Heron. It’s the first time ever that such a bird is wintering here. Also, after many years missing, Moustached Warblers are spending the winter in the reserve. It’s a very elusive bird often feeding deep amongst the reeds but can sometimes give good views to the visitors.
Other birds present throughout the month included a Shelduck, Common Teals and a Northern Shoveler. These generally stayed for a few days. Also present was a Gadwall. Apart from these birds, other species have remained to spend the winter months. These include Little and Black-necked Grebes, Water Rails, Moorhens, Reed Buntings, Black-headed Gulls and Common Kingfisher. Another very common bird encountered in the wetland is the Common Chiffchaff which often spend their time feeding on insects over the water from vantage points.
Foresta 2000
Sightings
December brought cooler, rainy, and windy days to Foresta 2000, transforming the reserve with a unique winter charm. The rains have revived the landscape, painting it lush and green, while wildlife activity has been particularly rewarding for those with a sharp eye—or ear. Listen closely: that unusual bird call might just be starlings showing off their talent for mimicking other species!
The mornings come alive with the melodic songs of robins and blackcaps darting through the greenery. Winter visitors like chiffchaffs, black redstarts, meadow pipits, and song thrushes add seasonal vibrancy. Common kestrels are a regular sight, while a surprise marsh harrier sighting in December added an unexpected thrill. Meanwhile, the ever-present Blue Rock-thrush continues to enchant visitors from the seaside cliffs.
The reserve’s flora is equally captivating. Lentisk berries are ripening in abundance, providing a bright red feast for birds. The fields are dotted with the distinctive Friar’s Cowl (Arisarum vulgare), locally known as Garni tal-Pipa. Common Myrtle and Bitter Almond are already blooming, while the Strawberry Tree boasts its colourful fruits.
Even butterflies have made their mark this December, with species such as Clouded Yellow, Large White, Small White, and the stunning Painted Lady adding bursts of colour to the landscape. The rain-filled rock pools are teeming with life, hosting fairy shrimp and other fascinating aquatic creatures.
Works
Thanks to regular clean-ups and maintenance, the reserve remains pristine and welcoming. Ongoing school visits have also helped inspire the next generation to connect with the rich biodiversity of Foresta 2000. A fitting and rewarding end to the year!
Make sure to visit Foresta 2000 soon to experience the magic of a Maltese winter!
Notice for All Visitors As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, we are transitioning to our annual winter schedule. We want to remind everyone that our nature reserves, Simar and Għadira, will now be closing at sunset. With the recent time change, it gets darker earlier, and visibility in the reserves becomes limited after sundown. Please plan your visits accordingly so you can enjoy the beauty of nature in full daylight. We look forward to welcoming you and appreciate your help in keeping the reserves safe and enjoyable for all. See you on the trails!
Comments on the Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Terrestrial Natura 2000 Sites
BirdLife Malta has provided feedback on the first set of conservation objectives for Malta’s Natura 2000 sites during a public consultation. Our key recommendations included establishing clear timelines for conservation measures, engaging diverse stakeholders such as farmers and fishers, and addressing human impacts like outdoor events and fireworks. We also emphasised the need for improved waste management, proactive monitoring of invasive species, and actions to combat light pollution.
We raised site-specific concerns for locations such as Il-Maqluba, Simar, Għadira, Filfla, Il-Gżejjer ta’ San Pawl, and Irdum tal-Madonna. Suggestions included habitat restoration, stricter enforcement against illegal activities, and reducing pressures from tourism and development. For instance, at St. Paul’s Islet, the regulation prohibiting food should be enforced, with ferry operators required to inform tourists of this rule before disembarkation. At Irdum tal-Madonna, we recommended expanding light pollution mitigation efforts to areas beyond the Natura 2000 site, including Ċirkewwa ferry terminal and other locations where increased development and bright lights affect the Rdum tal-Madonna cliffs. Additionally, the growing brightness from ships in the nearby bunkering zone must be addressed.
We also highlighted the importance of sustainable financing and data-driven approaches to ensure the long-term protection of these critical ecological sites.
Read our full comments here.
Recommendations in relation to the Review of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Corinthia Oasis (PA/05420/21)
In response to the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Corinthia Oasis (formerly Ħal Ferħ Complex) project, BirdLife Malta submitted detailed recommendations during the public consultation. We expressed concerns over insufficient mitigation measures for habitat destruction and species loss, particularly during the demolition phase.
Our suggestions included conducting works outside the breeding season, incorporating nesting spaces into the project’s design, and monitoring operational impacts. We also offered to collaborate with developers to integrate effective conservation measures into the project.
Given the site’s proximity to protected areas and the presence of sensitive species such as the Yelkouan Shearwater, we stressed the need for a robust monitoring plan. We also urged developers to impose stricter controls on private villas and outdoor events, which could have significant environmental impacts.
Read our full recommendations here.
A glimpse of a rare visitor from the north
The Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) Bufula Qastnija is a small Warbler with an overall dark rufous plumage, a dark cap and a striking white eye stripe and throat which contrasts with the rufous flank. It is a very difficult bird to spot as it loves marshy habitats where it feeds among the vegetation. Most often it is discovered by its call but occasionally it ventures out in the open but soon drops down into cover. Its diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates found in wetland vegetation.
Its status in Malta is scarce and only seen in autumn, mainly at BirdLife Malta’s Simar and Ghadira Nature Reserves. Some individuals over winter here and occasionally up to 3 birds can be observed. The reason that we only have a few yearly records of this warbler is because it is mainly a resident in the south of Europe and rarely ventures out of its breeding range.
Credits
Words: Marcella Giornetti, Justine Borg, Manuel Mallia, Vera Tokmakova, Charles Cloeiro, David Attard, Mario V Gauci
Photographs: Marcella Giornetti, Aron Tanti, Vera Tokmakova, Charles Cloeiro, David Attard, Aron Tanti, Mario V Gauci
Editing: Antonia Micallef, Khouloud Belhadj