Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1104601
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 APRIL 2019 CULTURE ENVIRONMENT Bird migration is on the move, and herons are no excep- tion. The purple heron is one of six regular species that yearly grace our skies and tiny wetlands, and a flock of them sailing overhead are as eye-catching as any synchronised aircraft display. Once on the ground, however, it's a differ- ent story. For all its large size, the purple heron is virtually invisible if it chooses to stand still near a bunch of reeds. Purple herons are so called because of the reddish brown plumage on their head, neck and front. This and the streaky patterns on their body help them blend perfectly with their surroundings. For bird lovers, seeing a purple heron (M. russett aħmar) is a precious experience, as the species has dwindled considerably in Europe in recent decades. This is due largely to the destruction of its reedbed and wetland habitat. And trigger-happy hunters certainly do not help the situation. Pop over to Għadira or Is-Simar nature reserves this weekend: you may strike purple gold! Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 558: Find out more by visiting https://foemalta.org/EU2019 Text: Victor Falzon Photo: Denis Cachia 656. PURPLE HERON Ta' Giezu crucifix restoration yields new information 'ANGELS do not use ham- mers and nails'. So said Fr Charles Vella, Chief Restorer within the Arts Conserva- tion Consortium (ACC), en- trusted with the restoration of the 17th century crucifix, at a public symposium held at the Ta' Giezu Church in Valletta to share information about the restoration process. Vella said CT Scans and X- Rays of the crucifix clearly showed that, although the head is separate from the body, a number of nails can clearly be seen attaching the head to the body. Legend has it that the sculptor, Frate In- nocenzo di Petralia found the head of the statue completed – a legend that is shared among quite a number of crucifixes world-wide. Besides an extensive physical study of the crucifix, the ACC unearthed a lot of information about Frate Innocenzo, who, although very poorly docu- mented throughout his his- tory, left a trail of sculptures around Sicily and Italy that enabled them to trace his ori- gins and his life. The project, commissioned by the Archconfraternity of the Miraculous Crucifix and curated by Cynthia De Gior- gio, also included an ethical study on the conservation pro- cess by Adriana Alescio and an in-depth artistical context by ACC project leader Christian Attard. "We are very grateful for the opportunity to participate in a project with one of Malta's most historic icons," BOV CEO Mario Mallia said. "The symposium shed more light on this national monument which we are very eager to see returned to its niche where it can once again be venerated by the faithful." The sympo- sium was also addressed by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, then President of Malta. Legend has it that the sculptor, Frate Innocenzo di Petralia, found the head of the statue completed – a legend that is shared among quite a number of crucifixes world-wide