A chance to see Malta’s latest breeding bird

This new family is the first record for Malta of this species breeding in the wild
 
For two weeks in May, a pair of Black-winged Stilts had been tending and defending a clutch of four eggs on one of the sandy islands at the wetland. Some days ago, all four eggs hatched and the chicks can now be seen foraging for worms and other invertebrates around the shoreline and islands at the reserve. The adults are very defensive of the young and chase any other birds in the vicinity, including much larger species such as Grey Herons in defence displays that are worth watching.
 
Although the nature reserve is normally closed in June, BirdLife Malta will this Sunday open the reserve to the public between 09:00 and 11:00, when special guided tours will be given. There is no need to book in advance and the tours are free of charge.
 
The Black-winged Stilt is the latest addition to Malta’s list of breeding birds. Another wader species currently breeding at Għadira is the Little Ringed Plover, which in the wild also breeds only at this site. This breeding season has also been a successful one for this species, and there are currently five adult pairs and 14 chicks.
 
Ghadira is managed by BirdLife Malta in agreement with OPM and MEPA, and despite its small size is a RAMSAR site and a wetland of international importance.