Migration of ducks, the harbingers of spring | Charles Coleiro
The first significant passage of birds heading north takes place between February and March. And this involves wild ducks
8 April 2021, 7:57am
Migrating Shovelers at Ċirkewwa (Photo: Ray Galea)
The majority of bird species that breed in Europe migrate south in autumn and in most cases travel all the way across the Sahara Desert to spend the winter in Central Africa or even further south. These birds return back to breed in spring and the majority fly over the Mediterranean Sea.
During this time of year several species migrate over the Maltese Islands and often large numbers can be observed on some days. The first ‘spring’ migrants heading north are usually seen as early as February when it’s still winter.
The majority of bird species that breed in Europe migrate south in autumn and, in most cases, travel all the way across the Sahara desert to spend the winter in Central Africa or even further south.
These birds return back to breed in spring and the majority fly over the Mediterranean Sea. During this time of year, several species migrate over the Maltese islands and large numbers can often be observed on some days.
The first ‘spring’ migrants heading north are usually seen as early as February when it’s still winter.
The house martin and green sandpiper are often the first to arrive, while grey herons, hoopoes, barn swallows, marsh harriers and, sometimes, common cranes often follow. But between February and March, the first significant passage of birds heading north take place. And this involves wild ducks.