Around 50 families enjoyed an Easter-egg hunt and Nature Discovery Trail at Is-Simar wetland reserve in Xemxija (well the Easter-egg hunt was for the kids really!) - and, of course, BirdLife’s Klabb Huttaf mascot, Huttafa, the migrating Barn Swallow!

After a hard contested hunt for the chocolate eggs hidden around the park in front of the reserve, BirdLife Malta staff and volunteers welcomed adults and children of all ages to the wetland and introduced them to the amazing variety of wildlife that can been seen in the reserve in spring: well-hidden chameleons, Kameleonte in Maltese; noisy Cetti’s Warblers, Bufula ta' l-Ghollieq; and many native plants with their fragrant flowers and the bees and other insects that pollinate them.

At this time of year the Simar Bird Sanctuary is frequented by many migrating birds, from small songbirds like Wood Warblers, to larger waders and herons, like the Night Heron, or Kwakka.

The highlight for many was the birdwatching hide, from where they see the Coots, Tigiega tal-Bahar, which have been breeding at Simar again this spring, swimming amongst the reeds, never far from their young chicks. Is-Simar is the only place in the Maltese Islands these birds are known to breed.

Kathleen Mamo, BirdLife Malta’s Klabb Huttaf, said “we’re very pleased to have so many children visit the reserve with their families, especially in the spring, when the wetland is so full of wildlife. We really look forward to the day when these kinds of activities in spring are not restricted to the nature reserves, but can be enjoyed throughout the Maltese countryside.”

Is-Simar Nature Reserve is one of only two wetland reserves in the whole of Malta, and a protected Bird Sanctuary home to a huge variety of native wildlife, including snakes, highly threatened killifish and many different birds. The reserve offers the perfect setting for those seeking the opportunity to enjoy Maltese wildlife up-close and in full protection.

Anyone who wants to find out more about BirdLife Malta’s activities for the public can do so by emailing [email protected].