Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1492490
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 FEBRUARY 2023 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 853. Common Teal WHEN we think "duck" we probably visualise a big, fat, clumsy bird waddling about with as much chance of flying as a stone. But that's because we'd be thinking "domestic duck". Wild ducks are very dif- ferent. They are sleek, strong and streamlined, and some species can fly at well over 100kmh. And some ducks are not big at all: the common teal (M. sarsella), for example, is no bigger than a pigeon. It is the smallest of several duck species that seasonally grace our coastal waters and channels. Teals are gregarious animals, so flocks of hundreds are no rarity. Like the other ducks, most pass through in spring and autumn. A male teal in fresh spring plumage is quite an eyeful with that unbelievable metallic 'teal' face-mask. (Note, espe- cially for human males: the colour 'teal' is a kind of green) Community Garden Session It's that time again! Our second session this year is coming up and we look forward to welcoming you to the Community Garden event in Feb- ruary in our Green Resource Centre in Floriana! Last time we harvested a lot of green salad, took care of the broccoli, potted up cuttings of suc- culents and just had a lot of fun gardening together. By now a few weeks have passed and the vegetables and herbs are still growing! It won't be long before we can harvest broccoli, onions and much more. But until then, there is still a lot to do in our vegetable patch and wild garden. After all, a community garden like this needs to be cherished and cared for. So come and join us and gain hands-on experience growing plants, preparing the soil, pruning and learn more about the world of garden- ing. Since this is also a social event, it's also a great opportunity to get connected with others. There will be water, tea and coffee for everyone. You're encouraged to bring along some food to share after the session. Join us today from 2pm till 6pm! Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 741: Visit our website and register for the next session: https://foemalta.org/ communitygarden 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 Beethoven 4 Brahms 25 February Place:Teatru Aurora The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra directed by famed Venezuelan- born American conductor Ilyich Rivas presents a sublime symphonic programme featuring two German musical giants, Beethoven and Brahms. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member For Impact Event 2023 28 March Place: Salini Resort Do you wonder how Corporate Responsibility and Giving can improve your business? Are you looking for good causes to support and inspiration to give effectively? Do you wish to understand sustainability, purpose, impact and ESG better? Are you a VO looking to connect to businesses? Join us for full day of inspirational speakers, workshops, an Impact Fair, Pitch Fest, and networking opportunities. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK The UK TV sitcom Fawlty Towers is set to be revived after more than 40 years. John Cleese, who played Basil Fawlty, will be returning to write and star alongside his daughter Camilla Cleese. The classic show ran for two series on BBC Two in 1975 and 1979, following the lives of Torquay hotelier Basil and his wife Sybil as they tried to keep their business and marriage afloat. Disney said it is planning to reorganize into three segments, while also cutting thousands of jobs and slashing costs. The move marks the most significant action Bob Iger has taken since returning to the company as CEO in November. The new series will explore how the misanthropic Basil navigates the modern world. Disney announced the changes minutes after it posted its most recent quarterly earnings