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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 FEBRUARY 2023 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 855. Yellow-Browed Warbler BIG, exotic-looking birds are undeniably more eye-catching than small 'ordinary' fare. But nature is like a large jigsaw puzzle in which every piece is essential, irrespective of size, shape or colour. War- blers are a large group of small, relatively drab-coloured birds (the European species at least), about 40 species of which have been re- corded in Malta. Some of these are common, year-round breeding residents; others are heart-stopping rarities. Twenty years ago the yellow-browed warbler (M. vjolin tal-faxx) was quite a rarity in Mal- ta, but this neat, minuscule (even by warbler standards) grey-green bird with the bold eye-stripe has since begun to feature every year on birdwatcher logs. We certainly are not complaining about it. Plant of the month: February - Borage (MT: Fidloqqom) Borago officinalis The humble borage is one of the more locally known medicinal plants and it also features in our Foraging book. In its scientific name the spe- cific term "officinalis" immediately indicates its medicinal properties – Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy made it easier for all to identify the helpful plants by assigning this term to plants which had a longstanding reputation of being medicinal. The latin term originates from "officina" – the actual building in which monks prepared infu- sions and extracts in medieval monasteries. The flowers (which have a bit of a cucumbery taste), the leaves and the oil from its seeds are used as remedies for a wide variety of ailments. Guido Lanfranco in 'Ħxejj- ex Mediċinali' (1993) mentions its well known use for coughs and colds amongst other things. This bristly annual plant flowers in winter until spring and grows happily along roadsides and dry stone walls or even disturbed habitats. A great pollinator plant, Borage also adds a pretty blue tinge to even the most drab of landscapes. Victor Falzon, Aaron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 743: To stay up to date on the plant of the month and more, sub- scribe to our monthly newsletter here foemalta.org/newsletter 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 Ghalik 25, 26 March 2023 Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre Under the distinguish patronage of His Excellency George Vella, the President of Malta, the Medina Foundation for Music will be presenting the Musical-Drama, 'Ghalik', with score and libretto by Mro Mark Agius, portraying the last days of Christ, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to his passion and crucifixion and his glorious ascension into heaven. Inspired by the Passion play which is held in Oberammergau, Germany, this is the first time that such a production will be produced in Malta and will feature a full, live symphonic orchestra, singers, choristers, actors, and dancers. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Mukika Mulika 23-25 March Place: MFCC Now in its third edition, Muzika Muzika is a prestigious festival produced by Festivals Malta, that brings together different genres of Maltese music in an annual competition. Starting on Thursday 23rd March with the semifinal, Muzika Muzika's semifinalists will compete for a place in the finals. On Friday 24th March, the festival will continue with an evening of classic Maltese songs, where the 20 semifinalists will interpret various Maltese hits together with established local singers. At the end of the second show, the 12 finalists of the festival will be announced. On Saturday 25th March, the 12 finalists will compete for the winning title. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK World War One epic All Quiet on the Western Front has dominated at the Baftas, taking home seven awards, including best film. It also won best adapted screenplay, best film not in the English language and best director for Edward Berger. Famed Japanese manga and anime creator Leiji Matsumoto, whose real name was Akira Matsumoto, has died aged 85, his studio has announced. In a statement, Studio Leijisha said he died of acute heart failure on 13 February. The German-language drama's seven wins broke the Bafta record for the most awards for a film not in English. Matsumoto was known for his epic science fiction sagas, including Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and Space Battleship Yamato.