A selection of the best wild bird photos taken locally are, for the next two weeks, featuring in the BirdLife Malta exhibition called ‘Snapshots from a Marathon Flight.’
The 30 photos on display have all been taken in Malta and Gozo by some of the most talented local amateur photographers. They show a variety of bird species, from iconic and rare visitors such as the Short-toed Eagle (Ajkla Bajda), to common visitors such as the European Bee-eater (Qerd in-Nahal).
Nicholas Galea, a 17 year old photographer with five photos on display said “I have been fascinated by wild birds and their migration from an early age when my father used to take me bird watching with him. I’m thrilled to be able to share some of the sights I’ve caught on film with others.”
The photos showcase some of the sights which can be seen in the Maltese countryside every spring and autumn, when wild birds migrate between their European breeding grounds and African wintering grounds.
Many birds pass over Malta due to its position on one of the three main flyways used by Europe’s migratory birds. Being positioned centrally in the sea between Africa and Europe makes Malta an important resting point for these birds. Many birds stop over to feed and rest before continuing their long journeys.
“Malta is a great place to witness one of nature’s greatest events – bird migration. We encourage people to visit the exhibition, which we hope showcases exceptional sights of migration – sights which we can all enjoy in our own countryside,” said Geoffrey Saliba, BirdLife Malta Campaigns Coordinator.
The photos featuring in the exhibition have been taken by seven wildlife photographers – Ray Galea, Nicholas Galea, Aron Tanti, Nadja Tschovikov, Joe Sultana, Mark Sultana, and Matthew Borg Cardona.
The exhibition also features x-rays of nine of the shot protected birds recovered by BirdLife Malta.
The exhibition is currently hosted at the Maritime Museum in Birgu, between 09:00 and 19:30. From Sunday 10th till Friday 15th April the exhibition will be hosted at Baystreet in St Julian’s between 10:00 and 22:00. Entry is free of charge.
Photo shows a Blue Rock Thrush (Merill) – This Blue Rock Thrush, Malta’s national bird, at a bird table was taken by Mark Sultana in Gozo.