Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1337056
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 FEBRUARY 2021 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 748. Bluethroat EUROPEAN birds are generally rather drab coloured. Most are combinations of browns, greys, blacks and whites. Lovely patterns of course, but we must admit they are virtually monochrome, espe- cially when compared with the psychedelic extravagance flaunted by many American, African, Australian and South-east Asian birds. So it's a pleasure to occasionally spot a bird that sports a primary colour or two, and one of these is the bluethroat (M. rożinjol ikħal). It's tiny, robin-sized and robin-shaped, but while the robin is orange-chest- ed, bluethroats boast both red and blue on the breast – the male does, at any rate. These living jewels occur every year, but they aren't common, probably because we lack their favourite habitat, i.e. rivery places with willows and rushes. Your best bet would be Is-Simar or Għadira nature reserves. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 641 Sign the petition and get a chance to win a chocolate heart and prosecco bottle Oh honey, save the bees for me! GET a chance to win an amazing chocolate heart and prosecco bottle by Core Green, by signing this petition www.foemalta.org/ beesaver. We will pick the winner out on the 10th of February, just in time to ensure that the prize will be delivered to your door be- fore Valentine's Day! Not only will you win a delicious gift, you will also help us protect our biodiversity and our health. Indeed, this European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) led by Friends of the Earth Malta together with over a hundred organisations from across the EU has to collect at least one million signatures in Europe to stop the ex- tinction of biodiversity and say no to a dead-end system. 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 www.foemalta.org/beesaver Appster Smartphone fun and smarter work Gudak Cam 1.09 Euro Apple, Andriod The Gudak Cam brings back nostalgia. Gudak gives you a roll of 24 photos to take through a tiny viewfinder, modeled after a disposable Kodak camera. Once your done snapping away, you'll have to wait three days "while your photos develop" emulating the real experience of disposable camera. TECH RETAILERS contact afarrugia@ mediatoday.com.mt A GOOD WEEK FOR Good Week/Bad Week Don't miss this A BAD WEEK FOR The Busker Under the Arches Date: 14 February at 7pm Location: Valletta, under the arches near the Bibliotheca, Republic Street The Busker will be performing well known classics and original singles live. The set list includes songs by The Beatles, Christina Perri, Leon Bridges, Stereophonics, U2, Robbie Williams and Queen, among others. Entrance to this event is free, however to book a place, kindly send an email to The Valletta Cultural Agency. Please note that due to the current situation, a limited number of seats are available. For people with an avid interest in herpetology. Scientists believe they may have discovered the smallest reptile on earth - a chameleon subspecies that is the size of a seed. For Liverpool fans. After going 68 Premier League games unbeaten at Anfield, Liverpool has slumped to back-to-back losses at the stadium that was its impenetrable stronghold for nearly four years. The latest defeat — to Brighton — left the champions' title defense on the brink of collapse. The Brookesia has a body just 13.5mm long Liverpool was beaten 1-0 Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member