The first birds of the spring season have begun the return migration to their European breeding grounds over Malta, BirdLife said.

It said it recording 64 species of birds since the beginning of March .

Amongst these birds were Marsh Harriers (Bagħadan Aħmar), Lesser and Common Kestrels (Spanjulett Sekond u Spanjulett) – the first raptors to migrate back to European breeding grounds over Malta this season. Spring regulars such as Hoopoes (Daqquqa tat-Topu) have been recorded as well as Spoonbills (Paletti), and Common Cranes (Graw), scarce migrants for Malta which have been recorded in exceptional numbers.

Spring is the season when Europe’s migratory birds leave their African wintering grounds and return to breed in Europe, thus replenishing their populations. Through bird migration Malta has been linked to 36 European countries, BirdLife said.

Amongst the highlights of the past few days were large numbers of Barn Swallows (Ħuttaf) and House Martins (Ħawwief) stopping off in Malta to feed and regain their strength before continuing their migration.

Charles Coleiro, Simar Nature Reserve warden, said “Just yesterday a flock of 400 Barn Swallows and House Martins roosted in the Simar Nature Reserve. The numbers of Barn Swallows and House Martins that have passed through the reserve these past few days is exceptional for this time of year.”

BirdLife Malta invited the public to visit the Ghadira nature reserve in Melliha and Simar nature reserve in Xemxjia, to appreciate nature and bird migration in spring.

The two nature reserve are open to school visits during the week, while on weekends they are open to the public between 10:00 and 4:00pm.