Nature reserve to close for summer months

The last weekend of May will signal the closing of the Ghadira Nature Reserve for the summer months. The reserve, managed by BirdLife Malta, has been open to the public during weekends since the beginning of November.

The months coinciding with bird migration have once again proved to be the most popular with visitors, although members of the public enjoyed not only the birds, but also the rich variety of flora and other fauna found at the reserve.

Over 6,000 people visited the reserve, apart from the daily school visits organised by BirdLife Malta. Entrance is free.

Visitors on May 16 were in for a unique experience, as an osprey - a large fish-eating bird of prey - glided into the reserve and landed on one of the sandy islands in the main pool. A few hours later the bird took off again, caught an air thermal and soared to considerable height before continuing its northbound migratory journey. Although protected, the osprey is one of the birds of prey that regularly falls victim to illegal hunting.

More information about BirdLife Malta, its activities and the reserve are available on its website or by phoning 2134 7646.

www.birdlifemalta.org