The autumn raptor migration is in full swing.

Every day, thousands of birds of prey start a precarious journey south to avoid the cold weather prevailing in their breeding grounds in north Europe. Their routes take them over forests, mountains, lakes and rivers.

Not being fond of wide sea crossings, many will veer to the west over France, Spain and Gibraltar to cross into Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Others will take an eastern route, reaching Africa via Turkey, where they only have to cross the narrow Istanbul Strait, also known as the Bosphorus.

Other raptors, including many birds of prey from Scandinavia, take a route directly south, flying over Italy, Sicily and over Malta and on to North Africa.

Migrating raptors avoid wide sea crossings because when soaring, they use rising air currents, known as thermals, which form above land but not above water.

In Malta, raptors can be seen throughout September. The largest numbers arrive during the third week. The most common species are the marsh harrier (bugħadam aħmar), the honey buzzard (kuċċarda), the hobby (seqer tal-ħannieqa) and the kestrel (spanjulett). Other species include falcons such as the Eleonora’s Falcon (bies tar-reġina) as well as several species of eagle.

Watching migrating raptors can be an unforgettable experience. On good days hundreds of raptors can be seen soaring; some high and some very low. Late in the afternoon many close their wings and dive for the trees to roost.

One of the best spots to watch the raptors is in an area just outside Buskett Gardens, known as Clapham Junction.

I have watched migrating raptors in several places in Europe, Asia and Africa but up to now I have not been to a place where these majestic birds can be seen as beautifully as at Buskett.

If Buskett and the surrounding areas continue to be strictly protected, bird watchers from all over the world would start visiting Malta in autumn, specifically to watch raptors migrating over this area.

portelli.paul@gmail.com