Malta Pre-trip Option I: Birding, Sightseeing, History, and Culture - October 2025
Dates: October 20 - 24, 2025
Leaders: Rafael Galvez, Peter Zika & Local Leader
E-bird
Total Species: 42 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
In anticipation of our “Sicily and Malta aboard the Sea Cloud” cruise, a group of twelve participants, along with me and my co-leader, Peter Zika, met a few days early for a pre-trip that took us through the fascinating island of Malta and its wonderful array of cultural and natural offerings. Located in the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa, Malta has been at the center of major historic events, from the construction of some of the oldest temples in the world to the arrival of the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, as well as waves of invasions that included the Ottomans and the rule of the Knights Hospitaller, among many others. Likewise, waves of migrating songbirds fly from breeding grounds in Europe to wintering grounds in the southern hemisphere, using Malta as a stopover habitat to refuel during their long journeys. With expectations high, we set out for three full days of exploration and enjoyment.
We began with a tour of central Malta, visiting the Three Cities, a district at the heart of the island’s history. On our second day, we explored three of Malta’s BirdLife International reserves in the north, where we found many interesting species, including the island’s national bird, the Blue Rock Thrush. Finally, we spent a day in the southern part of the island, visiting the Neolithic monument of Ħaġar Qim, the mysterious cart ruts at “Clapham Junction,” and stunning coastal sites. Most participants of the pre-trip arrived at Malta International Airport by October 20 or the following day and were transferred to the Westin Dragonara Resort.
Our group met in the lobby of the Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julian’s at 6 p.m. After a round of introductions and general information, we took a stroll to nearby Paola’s Restaurant. There, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and excellent conversation, getting to know one another and sharing the excitement of the adventures to come.
The following morning, our group met ready to go at 9 a.m. and boarded a bus to the Three Cities district in central Malta for a historical tour. Our cultural guide, Nigel, met us, and we set off, stopping first at Senglea, the first of the cities. A view from the Gardjola Gardens, a small park atop a cliff, revealed sweeping views of the Grand Harbour, the fortifications of the Three Cities, and Valletta across the channel. The garden was built during the period of Grand Master De La Sengle in 1551. Its guard tower features symbolic carvings—a flamingo on one side, a human ear on another, and an eye on the opposite side—representing vigilance over the Maltese coast and warning of approaching enemies. At the park, we heard our first European Robins and even caught glimpses of a Chaffinch. The “Maltese” Spanish Sparrow was ubiquitous, as would be the case throughout our time on the island. A glance over the water revealed Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls, the most common gull species we would see during our time in Malta and Sicily.
We then crossed into the second of the cities, Cospicua, which has been known by several names, as is common in Malta due to its many waves of occupation. The Maltese know it as Bormla, while in ancient times the Phoenicians called it Maleth, meaning “port” or refuge, which may be the origin of the name Malta. Standing outside one of the impressive fortified gates, we listened as our guide layered historical detail upon historical detail as we prepared to enter Birgu—also known as Vittoriosa, the third of the cities. There, we strolled quiet narrow streets lined with tall stone walls, painted doorways, and hanging balconies. Its peaceful modern atmosphere contrasts sharply with its history. Birgu played a crucial role in the Great Siege of 1565 during the conflict between the Knights of St. John and the Ottoman Empire.
Before lunch, we continued to Rabat and visited St. Paul’s Catacombs, an underground system of tombs and chambers dating from the third to eighth centuries CE. We explored narrow passages and peered into deep chambers, making discoveries of our own. It was fascinating to see faint traces of frescoes on some walls, examine small niches carved for infants, and learn about the dining tables within the catacombs.
Finally, we visited the fortified city of Mdina, stopping first for lunch. We enjoyed a lovely al fresco meal at Trattoria AD 1530, an award-winning restaurant in a historic courtyard flanked by the seventeenth-century Palazzo Xara and Vilhena Palace. Our choices included grilled local swordfish or a roasted pork chop, both expertly prepared. We then explored Mdina, Malta’s capital from antiquity through the medieval period. In 1530, when the Order of St. John arrived in Malta, they established their capital at Birgu, and Mdina gradually became a “museum city,” preserving much of its medieval character. It is now on Malta’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status. The city’s layered history spans Romans, the arrival of the Apostle Paul, Arab and Byzantine rule, the Hospitallers, French occupation, and its eventual surrender to British forces. Today it is primarily a tourist destination, and we saw visitors from around the world. From its bastion walls, we enjoyed sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Our visit concluded with excellent views of a singing European Robin, one of the most common bird species on the island at this time of year.
Dinner at Gululu’s that evening was a tour de force of Maltese cuisine, with a succession of traditional dishes that everyone greatly enjoyed.
We departed early the next morning for a full day of birding. At Ghadira Nature Reserve, we were met by David and Vera from the BirdLife Malta conservation team. Highlights included excellent views of a Little Ringed Plover that had fledged at the reserve, Little and Eared Grebes, and various views of Sardinian Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, and more. We ended on a high note when a Wryneck was captured by ringer Raymond Galea, chairman of the Malta Rarities Committee, who kindly waited for us to observe it before release. We studied its beautifully detailed plumage at close range and watched its characteristic twisting head movements. It was then released by Marilyn, who gently handed it off, and we watched it fly off to continue its migration.
We then proceeded to another BirdLife reserve, Foresta 2000. Along a ridge trail, we enjoyed excellent views of a Mediterranean Chameleon, as well as Old World Swallowtail, Painted Lady, Clouded Yellow, and Small White butterflies. At the end of the trail, overlooking dramatic coastal cliffs, we encountered Malta’s national bird, the Blue Rock Thrush. Locally, it is known as the merill, derived from the Latin merula, the same root as the species name of the European Blackbird (Turdus merula). As we returned down the trail, we could see Saint Agatha’s Tower, painted red and built in 1647, the last bastioned watchtower constructed in Malta.
BirdLife Malta was established in 1962 with the mission of conserving wild birds, their habitats, and biodiversity. Their work plays an important role in offsetting Malta’s longstanding reputation as a heavily hunted migratory bird stopover, despite international protections. It was a privilege to visit their reserves, meet their staff, and learn about their conservation efforts. Their 2023 Malta Bird Report recorded 20,865 individuals of 129 species ringed that year. European Robin, Common Chiffchaff, and Sardinian Warbler were among the most frequently ringed species—all of which we observed during our visit.
Lunch was at nearby Munchies, with beautiful sea views, followed by our final birding stop at Buskett Gardens. We walked a broad trail through lush vegetation overlooking Verdala Palace, the official summer residence of the Maltese president. Bird activity began quickly with European Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Barn Swallow overhead. Although initially quiet in the forest, we soon heard European Robins calling and a nearby Sardinian Warbler singing. We also detected Cetti’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, and Song Thrush.
Under stands of Aleppo Pines, we found mixed flocks of finches feeding, including European Greenfinch, Chaffinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin, and Serin. Eventually, we had to tear ourselves away as it was time to return to the hotel.
Dinner that evening was at Snug, located on the ground floor of the Dragonara Westin, where we shared the space with another pre-trip group focused on history, led by Barry Lyon and Larry Wolff.
This final day included a mix of coastal exploration, history, and birding. We began at Salina Nature Reserve, a BirdLife Malta site consisting of former salt pans now managed for waterbirds. There, we observed large numbers of gulls, including Black-headed Gull, along with Slender-billed, Mediterranean, Yellow-legged, and a single Baltic Lesser Black-backed Gull. We also saw Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Common Ringed Plover, Little Egret, and flyover Western Cattle Egret.
We then traveled to Dingli Cliffs along the western coast, stopping first at the prehistoric cart ruts known as Misraħ Għar il-Kbir, or “Clapham Junction.” Though found in several locations across Malta, their purpose remains uncertain, with theories ranging from Neolithic to medieval origins. At Dingli Cliffs, we enjoyed panoramic views from over 830 feet—the highest point in Malta. In the distance, we saw Filfla, a protected island Important Bird Area for breeding European Storm Petrels and Scopoli’s Shearwaters. On the cliff ledges, we found distant Blue Rock Thrushes and Spanish Sparrows.
We then visited the Neolithic site of Ħaġar Qim, a megalithic complex dating to around 3600 BCE, one of the oldest religious sites in the world. Its architecture suggests associations with fertility rituals, reflected in its curved layout and female figurines discovered on site. Before lunch, we made a brief stop at the Blue Grotto, then continued to Marsaxlokk in the south for a seaside lunch in a fishing village known for its brightly painted boats.
Our pre-trip concluded upon returning to the Westin Dragonara that afternoon. That evening, all participants of the Sea Cloud cruise gathered, marking the beginning of the next phase of our journey. Our group of 14 pre-trip travelers had a wonderful time, encountering 39 plant taxa, 4 reptile species, and 42 bird species during three days of history, culture, and natural exploration. We bonded over shared experiences and often found ourselves reconnecting throughout the following week while sailing aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud!
Day-by-Day Summary
October 20 - Departures for Valletta, Malta
October 21 - Evening Welcome at the Westin Dragonara in St. Julians, Paoli's Restaurant.
October 22 - Central Malta: Three Cities, St. Paul’s Catacombs, Trattoria AD 130, Mdina, Gululu's Maltese Cuisine.
October 23 - Birding in North and Central Malta: Ghadira, Foresta 2000, Munchies Restaurant, Buskett Gardens, Snug Restaurant
October 24 - South Malta: Salina Nature Reserve, Misrah Ghar il-Kbir "Cart Ruts," Hagar Qim, Dingli Cliffs, and Marsaxlokk.
Wildlife Seen:
BIRDS:
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - domestic type
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)
Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Little Ringed Plover (Thinornis dubius)
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei)
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus auduouinii)
Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
Lesser Black-backed (Baltic) Gull (Larus fuscus fuscus)
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Western Cattle-Egret (Ardea ibis)
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)
Sardinian Warbler (Curruca melanocephala)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)
Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus)
European Serin (Serinus serinus)
REPTILES:
Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis filfolensis filfolensis)
Mediterranean Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon)
Moroccan Wall Gecko (Tarentola boehmei)
Leopard Snake (Zamenis situla)
BUTTERFLIES:
Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
Small White (Pieris rapae)
PLANTS:
Adiantum capillus-veneris (black maidenhair fern) Maidenhair Fern Family (Pteridaceae)
Antirrhinum siculum (Sicilian snapdragon) Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae)
Bougainvillea x buttiana (garden bougainvillea) Four O'Clock Family (Nyctaginaceae)
Capparis orientalis (rock caper) Caper Family (Capparaceae)
Carissa macrocarpa (natal plum) Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae)
Diplotaxis tenuifolia (arugula, wall-rocket) Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
Ficus lyrata (fiddleleaf fig) Mulberry Family (Moraceae)
Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis (tricolor hibiscus) Mallow Family (Malvaceae)
Nymphaea alba (European white waterlily) Waterlily Family (Nymphaeaceae)
Ruellia simplex (linear-leaf wild petunia) Acanth Family (Acanthaceae)
Tulbaghia violacea (knoffel) Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae)
Arundo donax (giant reed) Grass Family (Poaceae)
Dittrichia viscosa (false yellowhead) Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Drimia maritima (sea squill) Asparagus Family (Asparagaceae)
Duranta erecta (golden dewdrop, skyflower) Vervain Family (Verbenaceae)
Ecballium elaterium (squirting cucumber) Squash Family (Cucurbitaceae)
Lantana camara (hedgeflower) Vervain Family (Verbenaceae)
Limbarda crithmoides (Golden Samphire) Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Limonium narbonense (swamp sea-lavender) Plumbago Family (Plumbaginaceae)
Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum) Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
Phragmites australis (common reed) Grass Family (Poaceae)
Suaeda maritima (herbaceous seepweed) Pigweed Family (Amaranthaceae)
Suaeda vera (shrubby seablite) Pigweed Family (Amaranthaceae)
Tamarix africana (African salt cedar) Salt Cedar Family (Tamaricaceae)
Tetraclinis articulata (arar, sandarac tree) Cypress Family (Cupressaceae)
Calendula arvensis (field or pot marigold) Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Chamaeleon gummifer (pine thistle) Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Colchicum cupanii (Mediterranean meadow saffron) Bellwort Family (Colchicaceae)
Convolvulus elegantissimus (elegant bindweed) Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae)
Erica multiflora (Mediterranean heath) Blueberry Family (Ericaceae)
Euphorbia segetalis (pine spurge) Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae)
Hypericum aegypticum Egyptian St. Johns wort
Jasonia bocconei [Endemic] (Maltese fleabane) Aster Family (Asteraceae)
Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum) Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Narcissus deficiens (autumn daffodil) Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae)
Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian fig) Cactus Family (Cactaceae)
Ranunculus bullatus (autumn buttercup) Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)
Teucrium fruticans (tree germander) Mint Family (Lamiaceae)
Thymbra capitata (Mediterranean thyme) Lamiaceae (Mint Family)