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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 APRIL 2023 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 861. Ruff THE ruff belongs to a large group of birds known collectively as waders, of which we get a decent selection visiting while on migra- tion. Most make a brief stopover to rest and feed, then resume their trek north (in spring) or south (in autumn). The ruff is one such in- tercontinental commuter, and it is a regular visitor at wetlands like Għadira, Is-Simar and Salina. As waders go, the ruff (M. girwiel) is medium-sized, with typical slender wader body shape, with long legs and long bill, both excellent tools for picking out worms from the wet mud or sand. To understand why a ruff is called a ruff you need to see the male in full breeding plumage, when he grows this spectacular mane-like mass of feathers round his neck, making him look a bit like a lion. Unfortunately we rarely get to see them in full courtship regalia, as they nest way up north. Pity. Meet April Plant of the Month: Poppies (MT: Peprin) The humble poppy… with so many stories! It was very interesting to witness the process of the signing for this plant for the deaf communi- ty as immediately we could see how the same plant can mean so many differenti things to different cultures. Different poppies have different symbolism attached to them – while in some cultures they are repre- sentative of remembrance, hope and peace, in others they are connected to love and for others they are linked to childhood games. Poppies are not only red! There are many different colours of poppy flowers which can be found growing in the wild. Several species have also been cultivat- ed as garden ornamentals due to their striking and bright flowers. These flowers typically have one large flower per stem and are great pollinator plants but quite short-lived. In malta there are at least 6 species of pop- pies of different colours ranging from the most common red to orange to bright yellow and purple. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 739: All support is appreciated. www.foemalta.org/cominozaar 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 Arti From 21 April 2023 Place: 67 Splendid, Strait Street, ARTI is the debut performance of the Maltese adaptation of Yasmina Reza's award winning comedy ART, that delves into the age old question "What exactly is Art?". Translated and directed by Albert Marshall. ARTI is a theatrical production part of the Strada Stretta Programme within the Cultural Programme of the Valletta Cultural Agency. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Foundation Day Concert 23 April 2023 Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Malta Youth Orchestra come together for an uplifting concert under the baton of Resident Conductor Michael Laus. Veteran Guest Conductor Joseph Sammut directs the orchestra in his epic work Adagio. Written as tribute to the University of Breslau, Brahms' Academic Festival Overture portrays solemnity and grandeur on a backbone of popular student songs. Dvořák's beloved ninth and final Symphony From the New World embodies the quintessential Romantic lyricism in a harmonious amalgamation of Czech rhythms and American folk tunes. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK A film crew has donated the entire contents of their movie set shop to a west Belfast foodbank to help families struggling over Easter. The pop-up shop appeared at Norglen Gardens in Turf Lodge earlier this year and provided the backdrop for the upcoming film, Joy to the World. UK-based online store Book Depository is being closed down by its parent company, the US technology giant Amazon. Book Depository has told customers it will cease operations later this month after almost two decades in business. The Sky Christmas comedy drama stars Northern Ireland actor James Nesbitt and award-winning actor Timothy Spall. It comes after Amazon announced plans to cut thousands of jobs as it shakes up its businesses globally.