Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1332685
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 JANUARY 2021 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 746. Common Stonechat THE common stonechat (M. buċaqq tax-xitwa) is a tiny bird of open countryside. Despite its diminutive size, however, you're often made aware of the bird because it's very vocal and its call easy to pick out. If you hear a bird going wss-CHAKK! wss-CHAKK! (buċaqq! buċaqq! get it?) look for high points around you, such as the tallest stone on a rubble wall, the top of a shrub, a dry fennel stalk, and you may spot the caller. If it's a male (and if you have binoculars) you'll notice the black head and rusty breast typical of this species. Stonechats are not year-round residents in Malta but only spend winter here – away from the white-outs on mainland Europe – happily foraging for in- sects in open fields, meadows and garrigues. A walk in rocky places like Majjistral park at this time of year should almost guarantee a sighting. Victor Falzon, Aaron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 639 Find out more about Maltese nature in January on our blog Flower of the Month: The Giant Orchid (MT: Orkida Kbira) Himantoglossum robertianum THE name says it all: this is the largest orchid found in the Mal- tese Islands but unfortunately it is also one of the rarest. It flowers for a short while around the start of the year and is one of the first orchids to grace the garigue. It tends to attract larger bee species. But orchids are sometimes quite complicated, and the complexity of their reproduction as well as the tendency of collectors to illegally uproot rare plants make them quite vulnerable. Not to mention hab- itat loss which is constantly a major threat. NB: All orchids in Malta are protected species. VISIT Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foe- malta.org/donate foemalta.org/news/connect-to-nature-in-the-new-year Appster Smartphone fun and smarter work Buddy: Easy Budgeting Free Apple, Andriod Buddy helps you set up a budget and keep track of your expenses, either by yourself or together with your loved ones. TECH RETAILERS contact afarrugia@ mediatoday.com.mt A GOOD WEEK FOR Good Week/Bad Week Don't miss this A BAD WEEK FOR 21 Dances for the 21st Century 6/7 March 2021, 8pm Teatru Manoel 21 Dances for the 21st Century is the second full-length performance choreographed by ZfinMalta's Artistic Director, Paolo Mangiola, in a collaboration with visual artist Kane Cali. For festivals. Music festivals are "still possible" this summer, despite the cancellation of Glastonbury, says the head of the Association of Independent Festivals. For James Bond Fans. "No Time to Die," the latest film in the James Bond series and one of the most anticipated movies of 2021, has been delayed again. The film was set to open on April 2. But MGM announced that it would push the action film to October 8. Smaller events could still happen if the government ensures organisers can access cancellation insurance This is the third time the film has been delayed Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member