Courtship displays have started being displayed at the Simar Nature Reserve in Xemxija by Little Grebe (Blongun Zghir), Common Coot (Tigiega tal-Bahar) and Moorhen (Gallozz) in the first breeding rituals for Malta’s breeding birds this season.

Birdlife said in a statement that both the Little Grebe and Common Coot have only recently been recorded breeding in Malta.

The first successful breeding attempt by Little Grebe was recorded in 2006, then again in 2008 and this year, while successful breeding attempts by Common Coot were only recorded in 2008 and this year.

“The courtship displays by Coot and Little Grebes are very exciting news as they are rare breeding birds for Malta which only breed at the

Simar Nature reserve,” Simar Nature Reserve warden Charles Coleiro said.

“If the attempts succeed then we could expect a brood for Little Grebe as early as January.”

Other birds which may be seen at the reserves include Black Necked Grebes (Blongun Sekond), Starling (Sturnell), Robins (Pitirross) and White Wagtails (Zakak Abjad).

These birds avoid the cold and lack of food European winter brings with it, spending the winter in Malta to benefit from a more hospitable climate.

Simar Nature Reserve in Xemxija and the Ghadira Nature Reserve in Mellieha are open to the public between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at weekends until the end of next May.

Entrance is free and there will be free guided walks for visitors.