Pallas's warbler phylloscopus proregulus - 1st record for Malta

Abstract

Putting up a mist net in your back garden can produce some surprises. I regularly put up a 6m, 3-shelf net in my back garden, which is about 50 sq. m. and is situated in the outskirts of Rabat. In it I have planted ten fruit trees and also cultivated some vegetables. I have also created a small artificial pond to attract the birds. Throughout the year a different assortment of birds are ringed. These include Whitethroat Sylvia communis, Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, Robin Erithacus rubecula, Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, Stonechat Saxicola Corquata, White Wagtail Motacilla alba, Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis, and Tree Sparrow Passer montanus.