The first signs of bird migration in spring has started, offering the perfect opportunity for families to observe the beauty of nature and the great outdoors, Birdlife said.

The past weeks have produced sightings of a great crested grebe at Manoel Island, hoopoes and house martins, as well as the first birds of prey such as marsh harriers.

Last weekend’s full moon also marked a peak time to observe duck migration with Ferruginous Ducks, Garganeys, Pintails, Shovelers, Common Shelducks, Eurasian Teals and Wigeons all spotted, with many keen birdwatchers gathering at Ċirkewwa to watch their movements over the Malta-Gozo channel. Not to mention sightings of herons, egrets and waders such as Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpipers, Common Redshanks and Ruffs.

Last weekend's full moon also marked a peak time to observe duck migration.

Glossy ibis at Għadira.

Although the Gozo channel acts as a bottleneck for migration for all duck species, it is of particular importance for the ferruginous duck – a ‘near-threatened’ bird.

Most notably, common cranes and glossy ibises - irregular visitors to the Maltese Islands - have also already been spotted.

Springtime, however, also marks the opening of the hunting season which will take place between March 25 and April 14.

Spring migration occurs between mid-March and the end of May when birds leave their wintering grounds in Africa to travel back to Europe to breed. It is in the birds’ instinct that as soon as this time of year arrives they start to build up fat and change plumage to enable them to start their long migratory trip, Birdlife said.