BirdLife Malta’s Post

Summer Series: #MyLocalCircularLife I love to fish - and I might have to stop. #BioRegion Living on the tip of a peninsula in the #Oslofjord, fishing has been an integral part of our children's upbringing. They learned early on how to gut a fish, and learned that the cheeks tend to the best part. Bringing home dinner that you have caught yourself is a great feeling. #localfood Sometimes when I need to clear my mind after too many hours on zoom, fishing offers a chance to get into an almost meditative state - I do not even care if I catch anything half the time - many an afternoon brainstorming session has been had on the rocks with my favourite sparing partner. Dag grew up right here where we live, he knows the fjord like the back of his hand - both above and below the water with literally 1000s of dives. The fjord is in trouble, the cod are in need of a protection and, as of 2019 you are no longer allowed to fish for them and rightfully so. But that is not the only issue, the invasive Pacific Oyster is here and it should not be - we pick and smoke those as well, but they are taking over the beaches and causing many other problems. The lobster are doing better, Dag was instrumental in helping establish lobster sanctuaries around the fjord, and for many years he would spend 10 days in October picking lobster pots each morning to measure and release them gathering data. But now, the fjord is in so much trouble, they are looking at a complete ban and it should happen for many reasons which I will pass the ball to someone more informed than myself to explain, but I have to say.. raising a family here in this incredible ecosystem would not have been the same without fishing. This ecosystem, the Oslofjord Region is the Bioregion to which we as a family belong. The work being done on #Bioregions and #Watersheds is critical, because each and every one of us plays a part in our bioregions and our impact matters. I am inspired by some of the work being done on Bioregional weaving, bioregional finance mechanisms and regenerative solutions. Time will tell if we can continue fishing in ours.

The results of Big Garden Birdwatch are in! The House Sparrow has once again held on to the top spot for another year, with Blue Tit riding high at number two and Starling coming in at number three.     Last year’s State of Nature report laid out a grim picture, finding that there’s been no let up in the decline of our wildlife over recent decades, with one in six species now at risk of being lost from Great Britain.      Big Garden Birdwatch provides us with a snapshot in time for some of our most common birds and a chance to reflect on what nearby nature means to us and how we can help. Gardens and community green spaces can give a crucial lifeline for struggling species by providing a huge patchwork of potential nature rich spaces.    The best thing individuals can do is focus on providing food, shelter and water, and not using chemicals and, of course, not using peat based compost in their green spaces. And public sector partners, businesses, suppliers and NGOs can focus on making these choices easier and more available. All of us making small changes can effect huge change. Thank you to everyone who took part in the watch this year. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ecdEBchx   #Nature #Conservation #BigGardenBirdWatch #Gardening  

📢 Exciting News, Dog Owners! 📢 Did you know there are 160 off-leash dog parks in Calgary? 🐾 We conducted a survey of some of your favourite dog parks in Calgary and summarized it in a blog post. 👨💻 Plus, we created a map of all the parks, specifically highlighting off-leash dog parks in Calgary. 🗺️ Check it out and enjoy your next adventure!! 🐕🌳 #Calgary #DogParks #OutdoorAdventures

It’s not easy to see wild dogs on safari. The African wild dog (or painted dog) needs extensive areas in which to roam. This, combined with its susceptibility to a range of diseases, including canine distemper and rabies (transmitted by domestic dogs), means it is found only in a limited number of safari destinations. It is only during the denning season (May to September in southern Africa but earlier in East Africa) that wild dogs are forced to remain in one area for any length of time. We must emphasize that in none of the locations listed below, are wild dogs a guaranteed sighting. These are very unpredictable predators that can move vast distances at a moment’s notice (and for no apparent reason). As a result, wild dog sightings are rather special occurrences. Here are the top ten places where you will likely spot one (or more): https://lnkd.in/eYcu7qfS By Patrick Brakspear, an African travel specialist based in Australia and the author of the ‘On Safari in Africa’ travel guide.

Life on the Farm: Building Birdhouses and Everyday Adventures Around the Homestead Living on a farm comes with its fair share of challenges, but it also offers a unique sense of fulfillment and connection to nature. In this article, I’ll take you through a day in the life on the farm, where we embarked on a fun project—building birdhouses—and captured random, yet meaningful, moments around the homestead. Exploring the Homestead: Capturing Everyday Moments After finishing the birdhouses, we decided to take a stroll around the farm, capturing the essence of daily life. The homestead is full of activity, even when you least expect it. Whether it's the chickens scratching the earth, the goats climbing rocks, or the dogs chasing after each other, every corner of the farm has something to offer. We filmed some of the quieter, more peaceful moments as well—the swaying trees, the soft hum of bees visiting flowers, and the golden fields basking in the sunlight. Life on the farm is a balance between hard work and enjoying these serene moments of connection with the land. The Joy of Farm Life While the farm can sometimes be demanding, days like this remind us why it’s all worth it. Building birdhouses was a productive way to engage with nature, but it’s the spontaneous moments—the ones that often go unnoticed—that bring the most joy. Every day on the homestead is different, filled with new surprises, challenges, and small victories. Whether you’re a farmer yourself or just curious about life on a homestead, there’s something truly fulfilling about working with your hands, caring for the animals, and appreciating the simple beauty of nature. So, if you ever find yourself with a free afternoon, consider picking up some wood and building a birdhouse—you might just discover a new hobby, and the birds will certainly thank you for it! New video on YouTube, link in comments below 👇

Ní neart go cur le chéile - there’s no strength without unity. Míle buíochas to Josephine ODriscoll, Don Colbert and the Fáilte Ireland Wild Atlantic Way team for organising the networking event yesterday The Maritime Hotel, and for inviting Manchan Magan along to share his experience with us. Such a well-run event, meeting with businesses from Kinsale to Kenmare, and everywhere in between. We are all passionate about what we do and where we live, and love to share this part of the Wild Atlantic Way with visitors, be they from Ireland or overseas. By finding out what other businesses in the area offer, we can promote each other too. We’re not competitors, we’re collaborators. We all call this area our home, we’re trying to make a living here, and trying to keep our communities vibrant, full of interesting places to go and things to do, people to meet and food to eat/drink. The Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Five Year Strategy talks about “ensuring that ‘wildness’ remains at the core of the Wild Atlantic Way across all brand activity.” How wild is wild though? There is very little real wildness in Ireland anymore. Wildlife numbers have dropped dramatically, lots of land has been cleared to make way for monoculture pastures, wetlands have been drained and the hillsides are burnt off, overgrazed, or planted with monoculture conifers. Shifting baseline syndrome means that people think that what they see today is normal, but we’ve lost so much in the last fifty years or so, that it’s far from the rich, diverse Ireland of the 1960s. When did you last hear Corncrake, Curlew or Lapwing calling from their breeding grounds? Or see a Hedgehog? Where’s your nearest natural wild meadow? So, let’s all work together to make Ireland wilder, more biodiverse and a really awe-inspiring place to be for visitors and locals alike. Nature is Home after all. 💚 (Photo from Fáilte Ireland) #KeepDiscovering #WildAtlanticWay #WildAtlanticWayCork #Networking #Bantry #FáilteIreland #DiscoverIreland #CommunityFirst #IrishArtist #IrishCommunity #SmallIrishBusinesses #WildIreland #PureCork #IrishExperience #GreenSketching #GreenSketchingIreland

Salps - jelly with a nervous system, making them more related to humans than sea jellies. They form super long chains in the open ocean and filter feed smaller plankton like photosynthesising microalgae. An important #ecosystemservice they provide is the transportation of carbon to the deeper layers of the ocean where the carbon could then take hundreds to a thousand of years before reaching the atmosphere again in the Earth's #carboncycle. This is because their poop is heavy and dense, resulting in a high sinking rate and allowing carbon to reach deep waters quicker than it can be consumed by other organisms in shallower waters. Cool, huh?!

**Review: Discover the Wonders of North American Wildlife with "An Illustrated Guide"** If you are a nature enthusiast, wildlife lover, or simply curious about the diverse flora and fauna that thrives in North America, then "North American Wildlife: An Illustrated Guide" by Reader's Digest is a must-have companion for your outdoor adventures or cozy reading sessions at home. **Key Features:** This comprehensive guide is a treasure trove of information, featuring over 2,000 meticulously illustrated plants and animals commonly found in the North American wilderness. The visually stunning illustrations bring these creatures to life, making it easy for readers to identify and learn about them in detail. From majestic bald eagles soaring through the skies to elusive bobcats prowling in the forests, each page is a glimpse into the rich tapestry of North American wildlife. **Benefits:** One of the standout benefits of this guide is its accessibility to both beginners and seasoned naturalists. The engaging writing style combined with the vibrant illustrations makes learning about the amazing creatures of North America enjoyable and educational. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, plan a nature hike, or simply cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment around you, this guide has something to offer for everyone. **Use Cases:** Imagine being able to identify the birds chirping in your backyard, the wildflowers blooming along your favorite hiking trail, or the tracks left by elusive animals on a camping trip. With "North American Wildlife: An Illustrated Guide," you can turn these moments into opportunities for discovery and wonder. Use it as a reference tool for outdoor excursions, a conversation starter with fellow nature enthusiasts, or even as a bedtime storybook for your little ones to spark their curiosity about the natural world. In conclusion, "North American Wildlife: An Illustrated Guide" is not just a book; it's a gateway to the captivating world of North American wildlife waiting to be explored. So, whether you are an avid adventurer, a curious learner, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this guide is sure to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the diverse wildlife that calls North America home. Indulge in the wonders of North American wildlife with "An Illustrated Guide" and embark on a journey of discovery right from the comfort of your own home. Start your wildlife odyssey today and let the fascinating world of North American wildlife unfold before your eyes! And that wraps up our review! Don't forget to hit that like and subscribe button for more awesome content. Your support means the world to us. For more information, check the link in the description. Check out the product here: https://lnkd.in/d8nCfJnb

We thought we'd let you stop hearing why WE think Natura™ is so great, and let one of our customers, Y-Farms Kennels, tell you why they love Natura. Natura: What was is about Natura that drew you to this type of solution? Y-Farms: Our favorite part about Natura is the flexibility of the product - both in the literal and figurative sense. The product itself can bend and mold into wherever we decide to put it, whether that be in a small dog yard with grass currently on it or in one of our larger yards with pre-existing poles and gravel covering it. It was easy to install ourselves and the dogs love it (which is the most important part for us)! Natura: Now that the turf has been in for over a year, what do you like best about Natura? Y-Farms: I think the idea that we can still have our real grass grow through the Natura turf to allow our dogs to experience the real grass without the mess of it all. Natura was a great fit for us because it aligned with what we see for the future of our business as a dog boarding facility. We wanted our clients to have a safe space to just be dogs without all the mess. #NaturaTurf #DogLawn #DogFriendly #DoggieDayCare #DogTurf #DogParks #DogParkLife #multifamilyhousing #MFH #turfgrass #hybridturf #dogyard #yfarmskennels

Do You Have A Fish Thumb? In the aquarium world, there’s something like a green thumb—it’s called the 'fish thumb.' Seasoned fishkeepers use this term to describe the knack for creating a calm, safe environment for their aquatic friends. Ever notice how a betta might swim into its keeper’s hand but shy away from a stranger’s? It’s not about recognition like with a dog, but more about sensing comfort and stability. Fish respond to the gentle presence of a familiar hand, not the unsettling movements of an untrained one. Share this video if you've ever experienced the magic of a "fish thumb"! #AquariumCare #FishBehavior #BettaFishComfort