Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1519725
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 APRIL 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 916. Rüppell's Warbler SOME birds are common and stay common, while others are rare and stay rare. Then there are species that seem to change their for- tunes. Until the late 1970s the Ruppell's warbler (M. bufula tal-pa- valor) was considered vagrant to Malta ( = ultra rare). But in recent years it has been turning up more regularly, though still considered a very rare species. Probably the reason is that nowadays more bird enthusiasts are out there, armed with quality optical and photo- graphic gear. And so this magnificent male (pictured above) turned up last week – in a peaceful green enclave surrounded by urban jun- gle – and made the day for the birdwatchers who went to enjoy him. Normally, Ruppell's warbler is a bird of dry shrubby habitat but on migration it can turn up in any spot where the poor tired creature can stop for a kip. Friends of the Earth Malta invite you for our Social Per- maculture Seminar! What is Social Permaculture, and how can it be used as a tool in mental health and care work? The Social PEAS (Social Permaculture: Empow- ering an Active Society) project was created to develop permaculture training for professionals working with vulnerable adults, such as peo- ple suffering from mental health issues, people with physical and intel- lectual disabilities, (former) drug or alcohol users, migrants, and elderly people. Learn more about social permaculture principles and practices to create resilient and sustainable communities at our Seminar on So- cial Permaculture: Date + time: Thursday 16 May – 9:30-13:30 Location: Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Anġli, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 789: Register here: https://foemalta.org/event/social-permaculture-seminar/ 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 MPO-MYO in concert On May 11 Place: Pjazza Teatru Rjal The annual side-by side concert, when the MYO joins forces with the MPO for a chance to perform as well as shine together with their tutors. Under the baton of Mro Laus and a varied programme featuring Muscat's Festival Overture, Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Festival Overture, and concluding with Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique this festive themed concert is to be enjoyed by all! Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Echoes of Creation On May 31 and June 1, 2 Place: San Gorg Preca School A young, upcoming artist has been given her first commission to create artworks for a museum exhibition, an opportunity she has been working towards her entire life. *Limited parking will be available on the premises. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK All five members of the Spice Girls have reunited, just perhaps not as you'd expect. On Saturday night, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Horner and Melanie Chisholm, better known as Posh, Scary, Baby, Ginger and Sporty Spice, came together to celebrate Victoria's 50th birthday in London. TV news presenter Huw Edwards has resigned from the BBC on "medical advice", the corporation has said. The broadcaster has been off air since last July following newspaper reports claiming he paid a young person for sexually explicit images. The bandmates partied like it was 1997, performing their classic song, Stop. He was the BBC's most high-profile news anchor, often chosen to front coverage of major national events.