Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1512115
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 NOVEMBER 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 894. Red Admiral UNLIKE bigger countries north of us, we're not blessed with many species of butterfly. Maybe up to two dozen species have been re- corded, but even an experienced naturalist will be lucky to rack up 20 (I haven't!). Some are rare, some less so; some are migratory, others are resident, some are small, other big and showy. The red admiral (M. farfett tal-ħurrieq) is a medium-sized "showy", unmis- takable with its orange-stripes-on-black pattern. Many red admirals migrate, and some years we get a day or two when thousands flutter across our countryside, descending en masse on flowering shrubs to gorge on nectar. As its Maltese name shows, the foodplant of this butterfly's caterpillars is the humble (and much hated) nettle. So be- fore you weed your garden completely nettle-free, spare a thought for the hungry babies! Clothes swap Ahead of the Holiday season, we're inviting you to SWAP NOT SHOP! Declutter your closet, bring along any clothes that you no longer wear and go home with lots of lovely pre-loved items.When: 1st December │ 5:30 – 8:00PM Where: Friends of the Earth Malta, Floriana Registration required via the link: foemalta.org/event/clothes- swap-2023/ Bring up to 5 items of washed clothing (like t-shirts, sweat- er, trousers, dresses, bags, hat, shoes…). Make sure they are in good condition (i.e. no stains, no holes, and that are pretty enough for others to wear them and give them a new home). Clothes for all genders are welcome! Baked goods to share! Teas, coffees, and drinks will be available against a donation. All donations go towards our work at Friends of the Earth Malta. Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 776: Registration required via the link: foemalta.org/event/clothes- swap-2023/ 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 Christmas Extravaganza On 23 December Place: Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre Join the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra on this fun-filled Christmas journey, specially designed for the entire family for this special time of the year! Pre-Concert family fun entertainment starting from 5:00pm! Take a picture with Santa Claus, join in the games, be amazed by the magician and more! Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Ira Losco & Orchestra On 2-3 December Place: Mediterranean Conference Centre Ira Losco will be performing a full concert with a 28-piece orchestra for the first time ever. Accompanied by her band she will be playing her biggest hits to date alongside some well- known songs all arranged by Maestro Aurelio Belli. The concert produced by iCAN will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Pop group Girls Aloud have announced a massive reunion tour for 2024, bringing their 11-year break to an end. Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine and Nicola will hit the road in May, playing "all the hits" and "a few favourites of our own", they tell BBC News. Taylor Swift's fan's death at her gig in Brazil's heatwave has reportedly sparked an investigation by authorities. The Bad Blood singer, 33, said she was left "overwhelmed" with grief over the shock passing of Ana Clara Benevides. The shows will be dedicated to their former bandmate, Sarah Harding, who died of cancer in 2021. Officials have now launched a probe into a Brazilian entertainment company after a fan died during a show they produced for Swift last week, according to NBC News.