BirdLife Malta has announced that Is-Simar (Xemxija) and Ghadira nature reserves will open to the public from Saturday till the end of May next year. Ghadira and Is-Simar nature reserves will be open between 10:00 and 16:00 during weekends.

The two ecologically important salt marshes are managed as nature reserves by BirdLife Malta and have been designated as internationally important Ramsar sites under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance. Both reserves have also been given the status of Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation under EU nature conservation directives.

The reserves are rich in endemic plants and insects and are the only places in the Maltese islands where Killifish breed. Migratory birds like Herons and Egrets also find safety and shelter in the reserves with some species staying through winter; Common Kingfisher, Robin, Little Greeb and Greater Flamingo are species currently wintering in the reserves. Apart from migrating and wintering birds, Ghadira and Is-Simar nature reserves also have several breeding birds. For the first time ever, in 2008 Common Coot bred at Is-Simar nature reserve, where Little Greeb and Moorhen also breed.

To offer visitors a better chance of enjoying and appreciating the habitats and wildlife in the reserves, guided walks through the reserves will be held for visitors by reserve staff and volunteers every hour. Entrance to the reserves is free of charge and there is no need to book.

Photo above shows a Juvenile Greater Flamingo which has been in Malta since mid-September and can be seen at Ghadira nature reserve along with other species. Photo by Dennis Cachia.

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