Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1507380
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 SEPTEMBER 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 883. Ferruginous Duck ABOUT two dozen wild duck species are recorded in the Maltese Islands. Some are very rare (like seen just once), others occur in flocks numbering hundreds every year, winging low and fast over the waves. In between sits the handsome ferruginous duck (M. bra- jmla ħamra), so-called because of the males's rich, rusty chestnut colour. Unlike the familiar domestic mallard which up-ends to graze on underwater vegetation, the ferruginous is a diving duck. Thanks to this trick the bird can reach vegetation that lies deeper than would be accessible to the surface dabblers. By evolving different habits and adaptations, a variety of animal species exploit different niches and share a habitat without creating too much competition for food among themselves. That's nature for you, a study in balance. Learn more about Social Permaculture with us! We are excited to invite all passionate youth workers and educators who are looking to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged youth to take part in our non-formal training course designed exclusively for individuals like you. The course name is Training Intro Course on Nature and Social Per- maculture and it's implemented within the NASPLY project. During the course we will cover three modules about: • Module 1. Social Permaculture and Resilient Communities - Ex- plore innovative strategies for building strong, resilient communities through the principles of permaculture. • Module 2. Nature Ecosystems and Permaculture Design - Discover ways to integrate ecological awareness into your youth programs and learn how permaculture design can be harnessed to create sustainable, regenerative environments. • Module 3. Life-Skill Development through Permaculture Learn- ing - Uncover the transformative potential of permaculture gardens as spaces for life-skill development. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 767: Book a spot and learn more about the training via the link https://foemalta.org/ event/course-permaculture-nasply/. For any questions please contact anne- marie@foemalta.org. We kindly ask you to bring your own laptop to the session! 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 Equality from the Heart Up to 17 September Place: Around Valletta The Maltese LGBTIQ+ Community is a proud part of a European LGBTIQ+ Movement, but also finds itself at the heart of the Middle East and North African regions where equality is still a far cry. With Malta ranking top of the ILGA Rainbow Index for five years in a row, it is our duty to work constantly in achieving full equality from the heart in Malta as well as in neighbouring communities where LGBTIQ+ phobia and lack of human rights are still rife. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Monkey Bridge Today Place: Migra l-Ferha, Rabat A new adventure is here! Monkey bridge has two challenging bridges to cross the valley in Migra il Ferha. High and narrow route to complete. Pump your adrenalin. Suitable for kids ( from 6 years old ) and families. All equipment included. What to bring: A drink, trainers or walking shoes, shorts or sports bottoms, comfortable clothes, sun cream and hat if hot. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Freddie Mercury's close friend, Mary Austin auctioned off a handwritten draft for Queen's legendary hit Bohemian Rhapsody for more than £1.3m. The 15-page manuscript shows the different directions the singer considered for the band's six-minute epic. The week got worse for Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales after the Spanish prosecutor filed a complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion. It comes after Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office on Wednesday. The manuscript shows how the star considered naming the song "Mongolian Rhapsody" - before crossing out "Mongolian" in favour of "Bohemian" Hermoso has repeatedly said the kiss was not consensual, but a defiant Rubiales has refused to resign