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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 JANUARY 2022 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 796. Eurasian Woodcock THE woodcock is a stocky dove-sized bird, but this is no pigeon! Technically, it belongs to the wading-bird family but the wood- cock doesn't really do much wading: indeed its favoured habitat is broadleaf woodland with plenty of leaf litter where to rummage for worms and other invertebrates, which it digs up with that long probing bill. The woodcock (M. gallina) is a scarce autumn visitor to Malta and not easy to see as it usually hides by day (that won- derful dry-leaf plumage blends perfectly in a pile of leaf litter) and only ventures forth after sundown. Wise habit, as this is one of the unlucky birds considered fair game to shoot. Most woodcock that visit only stop here a day or two on migration to Africa, but a few try to overwinter. Virtually all of these get killed by hunters within weeks. Mustn't let the family starve, must we! Victor Falzon, Raymond Galea www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 688: Join us and subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated on our campaigns https://foemalta.org/join Our Green Deal for Europe The Youth Proposal for a Green Deal for Europe is a result of joint forces from multiple organizations and presents a narrative of the future that young people want, as well as of the urgent in- tersectional transformation that is needed in our society. For two years, visions were collected from more than 3000 young individuals with different backgrounds and disabilities across Europe, and from all genders and sexualities, including women, men, transgender, non-binary, and those who do not fit into la- bels. The visions for a better and transformed future are divided according to thematic areas, such as mobility, energy and econ- omy, and include principles and policy recommendations. The values and principles that stand out the most from the collective visioning process are solidarity, trust, respect, love, and equality. 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.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Malta Indie Shorts Date: 13 January Place: St James Cavalier, Castille Place Valletta Each month, Spazju Kreattiv showcase 3 notable short films which were produced and shot here in Malta, as well as chat with each of the directors. This audience interaction is vital for filmmakers. The public also gets a great chance to learn about filmmaking, through artists working right here in Malta & Gozo. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Such Stuff as Worlds are Made On Date: Starting from 21 January, until 20 Febuary Place: St James Cavalier, Castille Place Valletta Reflecting on human time-scales, alongside the deep time of the universe, this project explores possible inclusive futures via world-building and speculative art practices, while consciously avoiding the replication of colonial models. Ultimately, the project questions what kinds of new worlds can be created and what kind of rules these worlds will have to follow. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Adele's 30 was the best-selling album of 2021, after just six weeks on sale. The star sold more than 600,000 copies of her so-called "divorce album", with 80% of those sales on CD and vinyl, bucking the trend towards streaming. The 64th annual Grammy Awards Show due to be held in the US later this month has been postponed due to coronavirus. The total falls far below the 800,000 copies her previous album, 25, sold in its first week. The event, which is regarded as music's biggest night, was scheduled to take place on 31 January in Los Angeles.