The first birds of the spring season have begun the return migration to their European breeding grounds over Malta, BirdLife Malta said it has recorded at least 64 species of birds since the beginning of March alone.

Amongst these birds are Marsh Harriers (Baghadan Ahmar), 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.

Amongst the highlights of the past few days have been large numbers of Barn Swallows (Huttaf) and House Martins (Hawwief) stopping off in Malta to feed and regain their strength before continuing their migration, Birdlife said.

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.”

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.

Photo: Barn Swallow by Ray Galea, Ray took a photo of this Barn Swallow at the Simar Nature Reserve yesterday afternoon when a flock of 400 Barn Swallows and House Martins roosted at the reserve. The number of Barn Swallows and House Martins passing through the Simar Nature Reserve over the past few days has been exceptional for the time of year.

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