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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MARCH 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 911. Northern Pintails MALTA sits on one of the main migration flyways across the Med- iterranean, so our birdwatchers get to see thousands of wild duck on migration. Among the several species that occur is the northern pintail (M. silfjun), which is one of the larger ducks. As its name implies, this bird has a long pointed tail – especially evident in the male – which readily identifies this species from the other ducks. A little sea-gazing while ferry-crossing between Malta and Gozo at this time of year can reward you with sightings of lines of wild duck flying fast and strong low over the waves (contrary to what many think, ducks in their natural state fly very well!) or bobbing at rest on the surface. Such flocks can include hundreds of pintails, along with other beautiful names like wigeon, garganey and shoveler. Australian High Commissioner at FoE Malta Last Friday, we were honoured to host His Excellency Mr. Matt Skelly, the Australian High Commissioner, at our FoE Malta office. Together with our director Martin Galea De Giovanni and Climate Campaign Coordinator, Suzanne Maas talked about the work and in- itiatives of Friends of the Earth Malta seeking new ways to collaborate in the future. We also shared our work on il-Forn ta' Kemmuna. Mr. Skelly enjoyed a tour of our garden, where he met our buzzing bees and learned about our vermicompost! Hope to see you in the future, Your Excellency! Victor Falzon, Ray Vella (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 785: For more information please visit https://foemalta.org/ 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 Bloom Fesitival On April 20 Place: Vincent's Eco Estate The first edition of Bloom Festival has landed! Join them in The Vortex at Vincent's Eco Estate, Mgarr on the 20th of April for a day that guarantees good vibes, great music, and a wide selection of food & drinks, out in the beautiful Maltese countryside. Chill out under the shade of the trees, get groovy by the Bloom Stage, explore the stalls at the "Bloom Market or get educated at our 'Grow Workshop'. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Soho Talks: Resilience On March 28 SOHO Office (The Strand) Discover stories of triumph over adversity, showcasing the remarkable strength and courage that propel individuals to greatness. Our esteemed speakers include Neil Agius, a Maltese legend known for his incredible feats in swimming, along with Robyn Pratt, MD of Impact Consulting, and Alfie Borg, Founder & Chairman at Hudson Holdings. Save the date: March 28th from 6 pm to 8 pm. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK The final season of Netflix's The Crown leads this year's Bafta TV Award nominations, despite controversy over its depiction of the Royal Family. The sixth season of the royal drama, which covers the events of the 1990s including Princess Diana's death, has been nominated for eight awards. US actor Jonathan Majors, known for playing Kang in the Marvel films, has been sued by his ex-girlfriend. British choreographer Grace Jabbari filed a civil lawsuit on Tuesday in a New York federal court. It received mixed reviews from critics, with one saying it was "obviously mining tragedy for ratings". She alleges she was a victim of battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution and defamation.