Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1478813
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 SEPTEMBER 2022 11 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 831. Grey Heron PEOPLE in mainland Europe who live near lakes or rivers will likely have grey herons (M. russett griż) for neighbours. Big, lanky birds who hunch for hours ankle deep in water, watching for potential snacks in the form of frog, fish or prawn – indeed anything up to medium size with a pulse – which to stab with their formidable beak. Herons are generally tolerated, because many people have long accepted the need to share the planet with other animals, a con- cept still largely alien to many Maltese. Malta is too small, dry and noisy for grey herons to live here, but we still get these broad-winged, slow-flying birds as they migrate across the Mediterranean. A good place to spot grey herons is Is-Simar nature reserve in Xemxija Bay, where the reedbed and lake give good cover to tired birds resting from their arduous journeys. Come join the weekly YEAH! Youth Hub and meet some fellow youth A space for young people to hang out, chat, chill, engage with the planet, socialise, and take a much-needed break from their studies Friends of the Earth Malta and Generation (Change?) welcome you to 'YEAH Youth Hub '. The new place in Malta for young people to relax, meet others, chill to music, and learn a thing or two about themselves and the planet. A balanced life is not just working and studying hard. You need time to sit on the back burner to have some moments to chill with friends and hang out with other like-minded people while engaging with something different. Stop by on Thursday the 15th of September to see what we are about and how our space here at Friends of the Earth Malta is the new inclu- sive and relaxed area for youths to hang out at. This is a recurring event, every Thursday from 17:00-20:00. Register your interest now! Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe. The YEAH Youth Hub benefits from a grant under the Active Citizens Fund from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, through the EEA Grants. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 719: To sign up for the Youth Hub, click on this link https://foemalta.org/ event/15-8-2022 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 The Malta International Folk Festival 25 September Place: Malta International Folk Festival The Malta International Folk Festival Due to its position in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta has been a crossroads of exchanges and peoples for millennia, which over time have formed the cultural and identity of the island. Different folk traditions will meet once again in Malta through this event for a mutual cultural exchange and enrichment. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Musicals in Concert 24 September Place: Pjazza Teatru Rjal Musicals in Concert presents the Malta Youth Orchestra and established singers in an evening under the baton of eminent conductor Anthony Gabriele. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK The Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) opens later, marking a return to normal following two disrupted years due to the pandemic. Anticipation is high for this year's festival after it was suspended or held virtually in 2020 and 2021. The biggest names in British music, film and television have united to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Elton John wrote that she was "an inspiring presence to be around". Sir Paul McCartney posted simply: "God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live The King." The autumn festivals mark the start of awards season, and often indicate which films could compete at the Oscars. Actress Dame Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for playing the monarch in the 2006 film The Queen, wrote that she was "proud to be an Elizabethan".