Malta’s Merill Needs Your Eyes: Help Track National Bird

Sighting the Merill: Malta’s National Bird Needs Your Help

Imagine, for a moment, you’re strolling along the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun warming your face, and suddenly, a flash of vibrant blue catches your eye. You look up and there, soaring gracefully, is Malta’s national bird, the Eleanora’s falcon, or as we locals call it, the Merill. This majestic bird of prey is a symbol of our islands, yet its future is uncertain. That’s why the public’s help is crucial in tracking its nesting habits.

Merill’s Nesting Habits: A Mystery Unraveling

The Merill, named after Grandmaster Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, is a rare sight these days. Once common, its population has dwindled due to habitat loss and other threats. Now, conservationists are on a mission to understand its nesting habits better, and they need your help. Dr. Martin Wengler, a researcher at the University of Malta, explains, “We know the Merill breeds in Malta, but we don’t know exactly where or how many pairs there are. This is where the public comes in.”

How You Can Help: Reporting Sightings

If you spot a Merill, whether it’s soaring over your village or perched on a rooftop in Paceville, your sighting could provide invaluable data. The Malta BirdLife team has set up a simple online form where you can report your sightings. Just note the date, time, location, and any details about the bird’s behavior. Every piece of information brings us one step closer to understanding and protecting the Merill.

Remember, every Maltese person is a potential conservationist. Your sightings could help identify new nesting sites, monitor the bird’s health, and ultimately, secure its future on our islands. So, keep your eyes peeled, and let’s protect our national bird together.