Birdlife open reserves to public
BirdLife is opening its Simar and Għadira nature reserves to the public between tomorrow and next May. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
The two ecologically important salt marshes are managed as nature reserves by BirdLife and have been designated as internationally important Ramsar sites under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance.
Both reserves have also been given the status of Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation under EU nature conservation directives.
The reserves are rich in endemic plants and insects and are the only places in the Maltese islands where Killifish breed.
Migratory birds like Herons and Egrets also find safety and shelter in the reserves with some species staying through winter; Common Kingfisher, Robin, Little Greeb and Greater Flamingo are species currently wintering in the reserves.
Apart from migrating and wintering birds, Għadira and Simar also have several breeding birds. For the first time ever, the Common Coot this year bred at the Simar reserve, where Little Greeb and Moorhen also breed.
To offer visitors a better chance of enjoying and appreciating the habitats and wildlife in the reserves, guided walks through the reserves will be held for visitors by reserve staff and volunteers every hour. Entrance to the reserves is free of charge and there is no need to book.
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In Discussion
6 Comments
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Franco Farrugia
Nov 7th 2008, 19:00
I am sure that most of the Maltese, especially the younger generation, appreciate the sterling service rendered to this country by BirdLife personnel. A far cry from the feeble bleatings of Andrew Gatt.
T Mifsud
Nov 7th 2008, 18:37
Unbelievable Mr Gatt! A move by Birdlife to open a Nature Reserve were protected birds have been shot, is also criticised by someone who calls himself a Konservazzjonist? Shame! Really shooting anything that moves!
Why not praise the move and hold your sarcasm so that everyone goes there with a positive attitude?
Richard Cachia Zammit
Nov 7th 2008, 17:18
@Andrew Gatt
First of all Birdlife are telling people to come and visit the reserve and not telling them TO GET OUT, so definitely cannot be compared with the RTO daubing all our countryside. Apart from that, you know very well what would happen if access to such reserves is given to everyone Mr Gatt. A Flamingo has been there for almost 2 months now and the only time the bird dared to leave the reserve, he came back covered in blood thanks to someone who shot at it. Is this the way YOU want to fight poaching, by making such a comment? I had high hopes about you but alas your comment makes me think otherwise.
Vincent Galea
Nov 7th 2008, 15:18
I adore this kind of news.
.......... have you ever had the priviledge of watching a hummingbird floating from one flower to another while effortlessly sipping its precious nectar ? The wings are barely visible due to their speed. This exceptional creature can fly backwards and forwards maintaining its position while feeding.
A remarkable bird in her ability to nourish herself and others while struggling to live, to breathe.
She puts the rest of us to shame.
Andrew Gatt
Nov 7th 2008, 15:05
Oh, thanks SOOOO much Birdlife for giving back some countryside back to the Maltese!! Very nice of you to allow us peasants weekend access to what you seem to consider your own private property (a bit like RTO, hux???) How about also giving us free and uncensored access to post ALL opinions and points of view in your guestbook?
@Alfred Agius.....haven't you visited the reserves lately? After conniving to ban Spring Hunting this year, they were absolutely chock full of breeding birds.........the grand total of ONE (1) PAIR that hadn't bred before! Forget it Alf....we don't have the space, the water, the habitat or the undisturbed areas that birds need. What we have are birdlies, birdlies and more birdlies.
alfred agius
Nov 7th 2008, 14:22
THANKS ! And pl. keep up the pressure in protecting birds from Dad`s Army ammunition.
Perhaps one day we will be able to witness the return of breeding birds, enjoy the melody of their song and admire the wonderful addition of their fluttering in our countryside and sky.