Thursday, October 28, 2010

Tracking Birds in Malta

I wouldn't call myself a hardcore bird watcher, but I'm definitely a tree hugger. So when I found out that hunters in Malta target song birds and endangered feathered creatures, I couldn't have been more shocked. Nonetheless, on my recent trip to Malta, not only did I get a chance to interview the intrepid campaign coordinator at the conservation group BirdLife Malta, but I also took a guided stroll through one of the country's leafy reserves that goes out of its way to protect migratory birds as well as a host of endangered plants.

I recently wrote about my bird-related adventures in Malta for National Geographic Traveler's Intelligent Travel blog.
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12 comments:

  1. Melanie HaikenOctober 29, 2010 at 1:23 PM

    I've recently discovered bird watching and find it such an informative way to get to know the flora and fauna of an area, particularly the environmental challenges cropping up. Thanks for alerting me to BirdLife Malta.

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  2. sarah henryOctober 29, 2010 at 1:59 PM

    I'm a keen bird watcher too. Glad you're bringing attention to this issue that few folks outside of Malta may know about.

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  3. J The Travel AuthorityOctober 29, 2010 at 2:32 PM

    Hi Melanie, I'm kinda new to bird watching as well. It's certainly an activity that provides a wealth of information on the environment.

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  4. J The Travel AuthorityOctober 29, 2010 at 2:32 PM

    Hi sarah, Glad you liked my post. And good to meet a fellow bird watcher.

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  5. AnonymousOctober 29, 2010 at 4:05 PM

    I have a perfect view of some birds out of my office window. It's a nice distraction if nothing else.

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  6. J The Travel AuthorityOctober 29, 2010 at 10:26 PM

    Hi marthaandme, Love having any views from office windows. All too often it's just a brick wall.

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  7. MyKidsEatSquidOctober 30, 2010 at 4:27 PM

    My 9 year-old is a little budding bird watcher. This sounds like such an amazing trip.

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  8. J The Travel AuthorityOctober 30, 2010 at 9:07 PM

    Hi MyKidsEatSquid, Oh, I'm sure your child would adore Malta. Not only is the bird watching amazing but I took a very cool ghost walking tour in Valletta that couldn't have been more fun.

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  9. J The Travel AuthorityNovember 2, 2010 at 2:25 AM

    Hi Susan Johnston, Thanks so much for your comment. It's amazing how many people I've met recently who said they spent 4 days in Malta and had no idea about the fab bird watching.

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  10. Name TagsNovember 8, 2010 at 11:32 AM

    After seeing this I bet you have had thoughts about becoming a "hardcore bird watcher".

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  11. J The Travel AuthorityNovember 10, 2010 at 3:31 PM

    Hi Name Tage, I think I'm kind of a dabbler in bird watching. I don't have the patience to be hard core. But I do love exploring nature and being surprised by an interesting and beautiful species.

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  12. canvas art printsJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:35 AM

    My work colleauge is off to track birds in Malta very soon as well.

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