Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1531391
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 JANUARY 2025 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 953. Reed Bunting NOT a craft activity, nor a cane decoration! This kind of bunting is a bird: small, sparrow-sized, some species drab coloured, others with striking patterns around the head. Over a dozen bunting species have been recorded in Malta, most very rare, the rest not too com- mon either. One of the less irregular is the reed bunting (M. durrajsa tal-qasab), a bird of reedbeds and wetlands. Reed buntings don't nest in Malta, they are scarce autumn visitors, staying for a short resting stint before continuing their flight across to Africa. But a few occa- sionally stop and spend the winter here, but to do that they must find a nice quiet reedbed where to hunt insects and spiders undisturbed. This winter there have been regular sightings at Għadira and Is-Si- mar nature reserves, for example. Go visit, they're open at weekends. Friends of the Earth Malta: Climate Emotion Discussion Groups Climate change and environmental challenges can stir up a whirlwind of emotions and can affect your well-being in many ways. Friends of the Earth Malta has created a safe space designed and facili- tated by a mental health professional for individuals to come together, connect, and share their feelings in an open support group. Wednesdays | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Friends of the Earth Malta, Floriana Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti (photo) Green idea of the week 188 Learn more about the CALM-EY project and register for the next ses- Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member 1. Rock Climbing in Wied Bab Date: 12 January Location: Triq Wied iz-Zurrieq, Zurrieq Try rock climbing with MC Adventure for the first time! This session is designed for beginners to join a group and experience climbing for the very first time. Their experienced guides will ensure your safety as you tackle the rock and enjoy this exciting adventure. 2. Monteverdi's Muse Date: 14 January Location: The Malta Chamber, Valletta Monteverdi drew inspiration from Caterina Martinelli, known as "La Caterinuccia". Her tragic death deeply affected him. Explore her musical journey in a special compilation of Monteverdi's music.. 3. Voices in Harmony Date: 14 January Location: Our Lady of Victory Church South Street, Valletta Voices in Harmony On Tuesday, 14th January 2025, Barocco Foundation, in collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa, presents a captivating Voices in Harmony lunchtime concert at the stunning Our Lady of Victory Church in Valletta. This intimate recital will feature emerging soprano Bettina Zammit and mezzo soprano Lisa Baldacchino, alongside the talented tenor Tom Armitage, all accompanied by the gifted pianist Elaine Mercieca. 4. Road Running League Date: 19 January Location: Triq Aldo Moro, Aldo Moro Str, Il-Marsa The Athletics Malta 2024/2025 Road Running League will be contested on 6 road races (three 5K and three 10K). To be eligible for the final classification of the series, an athlete must run two 10K and two 5K series races, including the 10K and 5K National Championships. The classification will be compiled at the end of the series using a scoring system for those who take part in at least 4 series races as aforementioned. 7. The Illusionist's Magic Box Date: 25 January Location: Malta Society of Arts, Valletta The toy piano may seem like an unlikely candidate for the classical concert hall, yet all around the world, thousands of musicians gather every year for festivals, conferences and concerts featuring this unique instrument. Tricia Dawn Williams presents a series of toy piano projects throughout 2024 and 2025. The second concert in the series, entitled The Illusionist's Magic Box, taking place on Saturday 25 January at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta, presents a programme for Piano, Toy Piano, Electronic music and Video Projections. Williams has commissioned 3 new piano / toy piano works to local and foreign composers and 3 videos to local and foreign video artists that will serve as the backdrop to the original music. 6. Failling in Love Date: 29 January Location: Malta Society of Arts, Valletta A stand up comedy show in English about failures in relationships and love with the most hilarious comedians in Europe! Laugh along as the mischievous Victor Patrascan and his friends take you through their lives, romantic adventures, dating successes, but mostly failures, and much more. 7. Stand Up Comedy in Broken English by Victor Patrascan Date: 29 January Location: Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta Laugh with Europe's comedy nomad Victor Patrascan, as he tells hilarious jokes while asking thought-provoking questions on today's most controversial topics. You'll hear jokes on subjects like race and religion all the way to gender and politics. This show is not for the easily offended! Perfect for locals, expats, and immigrants, this show invites everyone to laugh at modern life's absurdities. Join us for a show where comedy is at its best – insightful, honest, and uproariously funny. The Illusionist's Magic Box