Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530962
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 DECEMBER 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 951. Little Crake RAILS are a group of birds so shy and secretive that new species are still being discovered from time to time around the world. Rails are largely water-loving birds, happiest among thick vegetation where to forage while safely hidden. Of the 10 or so species recorded in Malta, the very scarce little crake (M. gallozz żgħir) is one of the smallest: little bigger than a sparrow. Its diminutive size, excellent camouflage and skulking habits render it hard to spot in a thick reedbed, such as occur at Is-Simar nature reserve and some of our damp valleys. But that's the kind of challenge the bird enthusiast relishes. With these birds, the most important equipment is not binoculars, but persev- erence. Awguri! Have Your Say: Shaping the Future of Comino with PRO-COAST Have you visited the island of Comino recently? Tell Friends of the Earth Malta more about your experience! Friends of the Earth Malta is conducting a survey on behalf of PRO- COAST, a Horizon Europe Scientific Research Project. Your feedback is vital to this project and this initiative aims to protect Comino and ensure the voices of all stakeholders are heard. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti (photo) Green idea of the week 186 Read more about PRO-COAST and participate through the follow- ing link: https://foemalta.org/blog/procoast-cominosurvey-1/ Don't miss this: NYE Edition Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member 1. New Year's Countdown at Valletta Waterfront Date: 31 December to 1 January Location: Valletta Waterfront Get ready for a rocking night, jam- packed with entertainment headlined by Kersten Graham and his band, leading right up to the stroke of midnight. Stand by for 2024 welcomed with a dazzling fireworks spectacle choreographed to music, following by an after-party featuring the rising sensation Sheron Grixti. 2. Valletta NYE Celebrations Date: 31 December Location: St George's Sqaure St. George's Sqaure will be transformed into a vibrant hub of celebrations as everyone rings in the New Year together with captivating entertainment and dynamic DJ sets which are promised to be unforgetable. 3. One Night at Versailles: A NYE Ball Date: 31 December Location: Palazzo Parisio This may not be a costume ball but darlings, it's all about the attitude! Versailles was where it all happened, the hedonistic party capital where too much was never enough. Join us on the last day of 2024 to bid adieu to the past 365 days and to welcome in the new year. 4. New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner at Bayview Date: 31 December Location: Bayview Restaurant Along with the dinner, live music is also included. The attire, is smart, and the dinner will start from 7pm onwards. There is also complementary parking on a first come first serve basis. 5. Victoria's New Year's Eve Date: 31 December Location: Around Victoria, Gozo Join them for an electrifying New Year's Eve musical concert that kicks off with a burst of sound and color, instantly captivating the crowd as dazzling lights paint mesmerising patterns across the night sky. The stage transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, setting the scene for a night filled with exhilarating music, joy, and unity. This unforgettable celebration will leave a lasting impression as we welcome the new year in style. 6. New Years Eve Special Date: 31 December Location: The Chapels At the Brewhouse Kick off 2025 with a Night to Remember at the Chapels. Home to good food, great service and Malta's best craft brews in their unique industrial heritage venue. 7. New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Date: 31 December Location: The Phoencia hotel Join them at Contessa for a New Year's Eve Gala dinner like no other! Indulge in exquisite cuisine amidst a festive and sparkling atmosphere as we bid farewell to the year in style. 8. NYE 2025 Tango Party Date: 31 December Location: Around Birkirkara Celebrate New Year's Eve in style with the ultimate pub crawl in Malta's vibrant nightlife district, Paceville! Get ready for an unforgettable night as you visit 3 lively bars and 2 of the hottest clubs in town, experiencing the best of Malta's party scene. 9. New Year's Eve Paceville Pub Crawl 2024 Date: 31 December Location: Blackbull Pub Join us on December 29th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Luxol Ground for an action-packed charity football match in aid of DAR Bjorn, supporting those affected by ALS. 10. NYE Special Date: 31 December Location: Arka Ta' Noe, Siggiewi New Year's Eve Special 2025 an event brought to you by Venti Music Fest. An exclusive event with the Drop Out Dj Brass at Arka ta' Noè in Siggiewi. Open Bar all night long and 21 items of finger food by Bonaci Caterers. Doors Open at 21:00. Venue also offers free parking. Dance all the night and enjoys a special countdown to the new year 2025! New Year's Countdown at Valletta