It is estimated that over 10,000 birds would have been ringed in Malta in 2015, according to Birdlife.

This data which is logged and shared worldwide shows trends in migration, breeding success and population studies.

Birdlife Malta licensed ringer Nicholas Galea had much to be pleased about when he ringed the first Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus (‘Primavera’ in Maltese) at Buskett yesterday.

It was a very fitting way to seal off the 50th anniversary of the BirdLife Malta Ringing Scheme.

“Such records are just the cherry on the cake since the ringing activity is much more rewarding when one keeps in mind that the scientific data collected helps us understand birds even more,” said Mr Galea said, one of the 24 licensed ringers within BirdLife Malta.

Blue tit before it was released.

This year Malta had a visit by a shorebird, Dunlin Calidris Alpine (‘Pispisella tad-Dabra’), with a ring from Ukraine. The journey’s distance in itself is incredible but the fact it was ringed in Ukraine only four days before it was sighted in Malta makes it even more interesting.

Another interesting record for this year was the recapture of a European Storm-Petrel Hydrobates Pelagicus (‘Kangu ta Filfla’ in Maltese) with a 26-year-old ring.

BirdLife Malta strives to protect birds and their natural habitat.