The Kingfisher in Malta

The Kingfisher at rest

This morning has been particularly exciting to one of our expert birders, Chris Cachia Zammit. He managed to capture this beautiful bird while resting. He told us that the Kingfisher is one of the few colourful birds that come to Malta. In spite it's colourful plumage, the bird is quite difficult to spot, but from time you get a glimpse of the bird flying. If your lucky, you might spot the Kingfisher fishing or resting on a pole. These birds migrate to Malta in August and some of them spend the winter time in the Maltese Islands. The scientific name for this species is Alcedo atthis and its Maltese name is Ghasfur ta’ San Martin.


For more information about bird-watching tours, visit our website www.merillecotours.com or send us an email on info@merillecotours.com.

Migration of the Marsh Harrier over Malta

Marsh Harrier - Natalino Fenech

The Marsh Harrier is the most numerous bird of prey during the autumn migration through the Maltese Islands. They start to arrive at around mid-August and continue making their way till mid-October, sometimes even late October.

The peak is normally reached during September. This medium sized bird of prey normally hunts small mammals, insects and also other birds even during migration.

Write up by Christopher Cachia Zammit and Michael Sammut

With a Pinch of Salt

Salt Pans in Malta

The harvesting of salt in Malta dates back to centuries ago. Being an island in the centre of the Mediterranean, shipments used to stop for replenishment thus taking with them essential items such as salt. Salt pans (in Maltese: 'Salini') are found in various areas around Malta and Gozo, most of which are unfortunately inactive. It is a tough job to harvest salt and the skill is being lost in time.

I feel there is still some hope left for this tradition. At Merill Eco Tours we created a tour that focuses on traditions such as salt production. During such a tour, salt pans are visited and a demonstration is given to our guests. Hands-on salt harvesting experiences can be organised upon request between May and September. Crispy Hobz biz-Zejt (local bread and olive oil) is served during the excursion as a snack in summer... obviously with a pinch of salt!

Here is a very good article about Salt Production in the Maltese Islands by Mr. Martin Morana - History of Salt Production in the Maltese Islands

Spectacular Air Show (Spring Migration 2011)

Kestrel - Photo taken by Chris Cachia Zammit

Just spent a great time bird watching. We spotted some lovely birds of prey. During the span of an hour lots of Marsh/Montagu's Harriers and Kestrels flew over our heads. Most of them were finding a place where to roost during the night. We met some keen birders carrying out observations and taking photos. We hope that all the birds we saw will make it to Sicily and none of them will be victims of poachers during the night.

Bird watching is an activity to be recommended as part of ecotourism in the Maltese Islands. Hundreds of bird species reside and migrate across Malta. Migration seasons are Autumn and Spring. 

Leave only footprints...take only photos :)