Loving summer and nature in Malta

Amazing Sunset

Bambinella harvesting

Ready to be harvested

Painting Workshops

Gutters in rural paths

So many things are happening this summer at Merill Eco Tours! 

Some might think that summer in Malta is just a time to relax by the sea and do nothing. That's an option but there are so many other things to do. The landscape turns to yellow and brown hues with outstanding patches of lush green vines. Grapes will be ready to be harvested in a month's time but the small Malta June Pear, known locally as Bambinella is just ripe. Farmers are spending their days harvesting and grading it to later sell locally or send to the United Kingdom. 

What else? The weather has been fantastic this July. We've had a heat wave that was quickly replaced by cooler weather. In the evening it's fresh, just perfect to enjoy relaxed evenings out by the beach., maybe savoring a (local) cold beer!

Morning can get to be pretty hot so we're having afternoon painting workshops out in rural areas. Agricultural land can offer many features ideal for painting.

That's all from our end...stay cool and enjoy life :)

Visit our website for more details about excursions - Merill Eco Tours Website

The Migration of the Honey Buzzard over Malta

Photo by Michael Sammut

The Honey Buzzard is another common migrant. In Malta, they are usually recorded from late August till mid-October. They peak around mid-September to Early October. Hundreds of these birds of prey can be observed during peak migration days when the weather conditions are ideal. A large percentage of the birds passing through the Maltese islands in Autumn are juveniles. Honey Buzzards feed on insects such as larvae of wasps and bees, and also on honey, however but they very rarely feed during migration.  

For more information about bird watching tours have a look at http://www.merillecotours.com/EN.Birdwatching_Trip_-_Raptor_Watching.aspx and feel free to get in touch by email info@merillecotours.com

Info by CCZ & Michael Sammut

Migration of the Marsh Harrier over Malta

Marsh Harrier - Natalino Fenech

The Marsh Harrier is the most numerous bird of prey during the autumn migration through the Maltese Islands. They start to arrive at around mid-August and continue making their way till mid-October, sometimes even late October.

The peak is normally reached during September. This medium sized bird of prey normally hunts small mammals, insects and also other birds even during migration.

Write up by Christopher Cachia Zammit and Michael Sammut

Traditions Fair at Mgarr - 8th July 2011

Mgarr Parish Church in the distance

tractors, implements and other farming equipment

Dinner!

Cane work

I just couldn't resist this

different kinds of local bread

feeding 10!

l-Għannejja (folk singers & musicians)

Aromatic herbs stand

Yesterday was one of those hot summer afternoons here in sunny Malta. This didn't seem to bother the farmers and organisers of the Traditions Fair that was organised at Mgarr. Livestock, displays of machinery, demonstrations of traditional farming practices and obviously food. The smell or roast potatoes was lovely. 

Around 500 persons attended this event and I must say that it was very well organised. Eman Vella who is an MRRA official but also the Vice Mayor of Mgarr explained to us the purpose of having such a fair and the commitment of the council to keep the village traditions alive.

Mgarr is one of the top rural villages of Malta. There are several hamlets in Mgarr, such as Bingemma. These areas are still farmed and the products originating from them are the fruit of fertile soil, knowledgeable farmers and hard work.

If you're planning to visit Malta, you can't miss our Mgarr tour! We can advice you in advance as to when is the best time to come to Malta, so that you can also enjoy one of the rural activities and events organised throughout the year.

Sea Salt Harvesting Workshops in Malta