Systematic list for 1979 & 1980

Abstract

The two years covered by this systematic list were relatively quiet, with a few small falls occasionally during both migrations. In this respect, 1980 was better since spring migration in 1979 was very poor while in 1980 there were at least two good days when quite a good number of migrants were grounded.

232 species were recorded during the period under review, some of which are very rare or vagrant to the Maltese Islands. Waders were plentiful at Ghadira in 1980 when compared to those recorded in 1979, but bird of prey migration was better covered in 1979 than in 1980. Again no proper sea-bird watches were made. No new breeding species was recorded during these years.