Simar  nature reserve

 

Simar Nature Reserve is situated at Pwales Valley, in the north of Malta. The nature reserve is very close to the small town of Xemxija and St. Paul's Bay.

Simar Nature Reserve succeeded in recreating a marshland at Is-Simar where nature now thrives. Many non-native trees previously growing at Is-Simar, such as Eucalyptus and Acacia trees, have been replaced with native trees. Hundreds of such trees have now been planted, including White Poplars, Aleppo Pines and Sandarac Trees.

Since the reserve still lacks a Visitors Centre, it is unfortunately not yet open to the general public. In conjunction with the other nature reserve at Ghadira, Is-Simar Nature Reserve would certainly help to introduce more people to birdwatching in Malta once it is open. This will lead to more appreciation of birds and a greater need to conserve them.

The Birds

Breeding Birds: Is-Simar is the only locality in the Maltese islands where the Little Bittern has bred. Two pairs bred in 1997 and a pair bred again during the year 2000. Is-Simar is also the only locality in Malta where the Reed Warbler nests, with over five pairs breeding annually. The reserve also hosts the largest population of breeding Moorhen in the islands. Other birds breeding at Is-simar are the Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler and Spanish Sparrow.

Wintering Birds:The following are some of the birds to be expected during the winter months (October to March) - Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Coot, Water Rail, several duck species, Common Snipe, Common Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Hedge Accentor, Robin, Stonechat, Moustached Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting etc...

Passage Birds:A varied spectrum of species may be encountered during the spring and autumn migrations. Herons (such as Grey and Night Heron), Little Egret, Bittern (rare), ducks (including occasional Ferruginous Duck), Spotted and Little Crake, waders (such as Common, Wood and Green Sandpiper, etc...), hirundines (Barn Swallow, House and Sand Martin), Yellow Wagtail, flycatchers (mainly Pied, Collared and Spotted Flycatcher), warblers (such as Wood, Willow, Subalpine, Sedge, Great Reed Warbler), and many more.

All these birds find Is-Simar Nature Reserve an ideal place where to feed, rest and breed.