Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/368911
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 24 AUGUST 2014 37 THIS WEEK Wherever you are on these Islands you're probably never more than 20 metres from the nearest sparrow, perched somewhere preening itself or being plain noisy. That would be the Spanish Sparrow (Ghasfur tal-Bejt), the bird we're all familiar with here. But there's another, less known sparrow among the Maltese avifauna, and that's the Tree Sparrow. The Tree Sparrow looks a lot like a Spanish Sparrow, though a closer inspection reveals dierences, especially that distinctive black patch on the white cheek. The Tree Sparrow is also a breeding resident but is much less common or widespread than its anywhere-does-for-me cousin – indeed BirdLife surveys indicate that the population of this species has declined in recent years. Despite their name, Tree Sparrows are not particularly attracted to trees, they are farmland birds and generally nest in cracks in walls of old farm buildings or quiet villages outskirts. The Maltese name for this bird – Ġaħġaħ – is an approximation of its ight call, a sharp high-pitched 'jick' or 'jijick'. 418. TREE SPARROW GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 320: CLEAN AND FRESH – For keeping the toilet smelling fresh on an ongoing basis use 10 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with water; then spray around the bowl and let sit. What did you have for breakfast today? Jam on toast? Fresh fruit? Dried fruit in your muesli or some grilled tomatoes with your fry-up? Maybe fruit juice or a coffee? All of this was brought to you by bees. They may be tiny but bees are essential to a healthy environment and healthy economy. We rely on them and other insects to pollinate most of our fruit and vegetables – it would cost European farmers €14 billion a year to pollinate their crops without the help of bees and insects. But bees are under threat and without them so is our food and economy. Friends of the Earth is encouraging people to make their gardens, streets and communities bee-friendly and take action to get the Government's support for bees too. It's tempting to think bees just provide us with honey – but in fact they're behind much of the food we eat, including most fruit and vegetables. In a world without bees, our food would cost a lot more to produce and our economy would take a big hit. The brilliance of the bee Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). Text Victor Falzon Photo Aron Tanti International line-up for Malta International Organ Festival ORGANISERS of the First Malta International Organ Festival have confirmed the line-up of artists and schedule of concerts over the two- week extravaganza from August 28 to September 12. Music lovers and concertgoers will have the opportunity to hear a wide variety of unique performances from some of the world's leading organists in the remarkable acoustical space of several of Malta's grandest churches, whose physical beauty will add to the magic of the moment. The recently restored, historic or- gan of the Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St Paul in Valletta, will be played on the opening night of the festival by Wayne Marshall from the UK, a vir- tuoso organist and solo pianist and a renowned interpreter of Gershwin, Bernstein, Ellington and other 20th century American composers. Other performers include Erwin Wiers- inga (Holland), Vladimir Suzdalevich (Norway), Irina Rozanova (Russia), Vladimir Shliapnikov (Russia) and Gianluca Libertucci one of Italy's foremost organists, who currently plays at St Peter's Basilica, Rome. "This festival, sponsored by the Li- ons Club Sliema, will celebrate the rich heritage of Malta's historic pipe- organs," said Artistic Director Joseph Lia. "Some of the world's foremost or- ganists and opera singers will give au- diences an opportunity to experience the beauty of an instrument which only comes alive when it is played. Churches across the island will reso- nate to the sounds of musical works old and new, putting a special accent on Maltese composers as well as in- ternational organ music," Lia added. The organ is one of the most valua- ble musical instruments in the world. It works especially well with the ex- cellent acoustics of the cathedral, cre- ating an unforgettable atmosphere. It leaves a great impression on listeners, enchanting and attracting musical connoisseurs from around the world. Entrance to the concerts is free, but there is limited space. For more information log on to www. maltaorganfestival.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY RCHIRCOP.COM