Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1490058
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 JANUARY 2023 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 849. Black-headed Gull BEING a rock in the middle of the sea, Malta is no stranger to gulls. We have a dozen or so species of gulls recorded but only half of these are seen with any regularity, the others being much rarer. The most common species by far is the black-headed gull (M. gawwija rasha kannella). Like most gulls (naturalists prefer to say gull rather than seagull) the black-headed gull is largely grey above and white below, with long slender black-tipped wings. In summer its head feathers turn dark brown (see pic) – yes, the Maltese name is actually more accurate than the English name – but in winter, which is when we see this bird most, the 'balaclava' effect disappears and the head turns largely white. Pop over some day soon to Salina nature reserve for a massive dose of these elegant – if at times rather noisy – lords of the air. The climate is changing: we need to end the fossil fuel era! Climate change is the defining of our time. The current human-induced global warming is an example of climate change that is proceeding very rapidly. The environmental and social crises that this change is creating is referred to as the climate crisis. Climate is not to be confused with weather. The latter describes the state of the atmosphere at a particu- lar time in a particular place. Weather manifests itself as sunshine, rain, wind, etc., whereas climate refers to long-term changes in atmospheric patterns, such as increasing average temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. This trend towards higher average global temperatures has serious con- sequences such as rising sea levels, melting glaciers, shifting climate zones, more frequent forest fires, more severe weather extremes such as floods, storms, and droughts. The list goes on. Millions of people are al- ready suffering from these catastrophic effects. To counteract this tem- perature rise and provide future generations with a livable future, our governments must act now and turn away from fossil fuels. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 737: Read more about our demands for a fossil fuel free future https://foemalta.org/press-releases/pr-climatedemands// 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 Valentine's at Bacchus Until 14 Febuary Place: Bacchus Restaurant, Triq Inguanez, Mdina Bacchus Restaurant throwing a Valentine's Night to celebrate in style inside their luxurious Prince De Redin Banqueting Hall. Memorialize this romantic evening with sumptuous food, free flow of fine wine, accompanied by live music. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Danusan - It-Tmiem 3-5 March Place: Montekristo Estate, Triq Hal Farrug, Siggiewi Danusan are back with their latest show - it-TMIEM a comedy in Maltese language. The duo explore the heaven after their death, only to be daring enough to explore hell as an option. The audience interaction is what makes danusan's shows unique. All their famous characters will be waving between good and evil on that fine line that narrates the story. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Harry Styles and Wet Leg lead the nominations for this year's Brit Awards, with four each, including nods for the coveted best album award. Stormzy, Cat Burns, The 1975 and dance producer Fred Again are close behind with three apiece. Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of rock 'n' roll legend Elvis, has died aged 54, her mother has said. "It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us," Priscilla Presley said. Harry Styles had the best- selling single and album of 2022 in the UK. Lisa Marie, also a singer, was rushed to hospital earlier on Thursday. US media say she suffered cardiac arrest.