On Monday, a flock of over 180 Night Herons rested at BirdLife Malta’s Simar Nature Reserve, before leaving the site at dusk.

BirdLife Malta said that this is the largest flock ever recorded inside one of their nature reserves.

The Night Heron is a common heron, normally migrating during the night and are mainly seen in the spring and autumn.The NGO explained that in flight the bird’s neck isn’t very visible because it is very short. It has a very distinctive “quak quak” call that can be heard from a long distance away. They are often seen migrating in large flock formations – as in yesterday’s sightings.

BLM went on to say that the arrival of this large flock yesterday “proves the geographical importance of the Maltese Islands during migration and even more so the relevance of having pockets of protected nature reserves such as Simar.”The nature reserves have now reopened to the public following the summer break. Simar Nature Reserve is open every Tuesday and every Friday between 2pm and 7pm. Ghadira Nature Reserve is open on Mondays and Thursdays 2pm-7pm and on Saturdays 10am-4pm.

Visiting hours for Salina Nature Reserve and Foresta 2000 remained unchanged during summer: they are both open all year round.

BirdLife said that entry to its reserves is free of charge – however donations are always welcome – there is no need to book to visit during opening hours.

Photographs by Charles Coleiro and Rita Matos and footage by James Crymble

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