Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/433160
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2014 44 THIS WEEK The European Serin is a small finch that looks like a canary but – unlike that familiar domestic cagebird – it's very much a wild bird. It is a regular and common autumn visitor to Malta, and several of them try to spend the winter here too. Serins love company and often travel and forage in small flocks, visiting farmland and gardens in search of their daily sustenance, generally seeds but also any insects they may find, though these start to become in short supply as the weather cools. Come spring they all leave, except sometimes a pair or two that may try to nest in a tall coniferous tree somewhere. Nesting is very irregular: in the past 50 years there have only been a handful of confirmed records of Serins raising a family in Malta (all at Buskett, incidentally). Serins are very vocal, to hear one chattering in a tree you'd think there's two or three of them talking together. Sadly however, that very chatter and song lands them in hot water here in Malta, where many men waste their time wasting birds. The Serin (M: Apparell) is one of the seven finch species that Maltese trappers have this year been again given virtual free rein to lure, catch and imprison for life. Leaving aside the fact that bird trapping is against EU law, the very concept of catching a wild bird just because it sings nice is an abomination. Pure, unadulterated selfishness. 434. EUROPEAN SERIN GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 335: BORROW AT CHRISTMAS TIME – At this time of year, we often buy stuff we only need for a very short time - maybe fairy lights, extra chairs or an airbed for visitors. Save money and storage problems - borrow, or get pre-loved freebies which you can pass on after Christmas. Encourage other people to help bees too. You could nudge them to follow your lead simply by showing off your bee friendly plants. There's nothing like a bit of neighbourly competition to prompt a flurry of wildflower planting. Bee-friendly growing could be a great way to make your neighbourhood more attractive and to meet your neighbours. You can also take your experiences to work: tell people what you're doing for bees, and why. Encourage your work mates to do some bee-friendly planting of their own. Often offices have patches of grass or planters that could be perked up with some pretty flowering plants. Reassure the resident gardener – if there is one – that bee-friendly planting can be both formal and low maintenance. Smart troughs filled with drought-resistant lavender look good all year round, and smell wonderful too. Bee-friendly planting won't just improve things for pollinators – it'll make work more pleasant as well. Bee Active 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 THE Valletta 2018 Foundation together with the Valletta Local Council and G7 Events launched the programme for national Christmas and New Year celebrations in Val- letta. Addressing a press conference at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta 2018 Foundation Chairman Jason Mi- callef said: "These national events reflect the Foundation's commit- ment and the ongoing collabora- tion with all major public cultural organisations as well as with the private sector and the Valletta Local Council, in preparation for 2018. As part of the run up to New Year's Eve, Valletta 2018 is once again col- laborating with MCAST's Art and Design Institute on 3D Architec- tural Mapping Projection Shows. The full Palace façade at St George's Square will be transformed with bright visuals and a sweet story as from December 23 between 17:30 and 22:30. There will be an extra show after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The story takes us to Santa Claus' workshop where his seven elves process all the letters and make all the toys. This is also the place where one science experiment goes terribly wrong. On Christmas Eve, Clara the Elf produces her latest chemicals which react violently in an experi- ment causing an explosion. Amid the mess, all the toys come to life. The turn of events is both baffling and exciting. On New Year's Eve, St George's Square will host the main stage where some of Malta's top local artists, in- cluding Red Electrick and the Versatile Brass as well as DJs Pierre Cordina and Clint Ba- jada, will entertain the crowds. The New Year will be ushered in with the final 3D Architectural Mapping Projection show coupled with a special countdown and stage pyrotechnics. At Pjazza Teatru Rjal, DANUSAN will pro- duce an end of year comedy show while a children's area will be set up in Pjazza de Val- ette. Also adressing the media, the Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Governance Owen Bonnici said: "The cultural sector is contrib- uting directly to tourism as well as the professionalisation of artists in the run-up to 2018." He noted that these cultural activities are planned with families in mind and will also benefit the economy and tourism. Valletta Mayor Alexiei Dingli un- derlined that the ongoing collabora- tion has resulted in over 50 events which are taking place until New Year's Day. He encouraged people coming to Valletta during the holi- days to use public transport and alternative means to avoid traffic congestion. G7 Events Director Owen Spiteri said that rain or shine, the attractive line-up of artists will be performing at Pjazza Teatru Rjal and Pjazza San Christmas and New Year Celebrations in Valletta