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Majjistral Nature and History Park

Manikata  >  Malta

This is one of the biggest and most pristine areas of garrigue in the Maltese islands and holds a variety of species.

Added* by Zak
Most recent update 23 August 2021
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Description

Majjistral nature and history park is a huge area of garrigue. This area is perfect for a number of garrigue bird species and supports a good number of breeding birds such as Greater Short-toed Lark, Spectacled Warbler, Corn Bunting, Tawny Pipit and Blue Rock Thrush. It is the only area where Tawny Pipit breed regularly in the maltese islands and one of the only places where Corn Bunting breed in the islands. Under the cliffs there is also a breeding colony of Yelkouan Shearwater.

You can also observe lots of migratory species such as European Bee-eater, Western Marsh Harrier, European Honey-buzzard, Pallid Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, European Roller, Northern Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear and many more birds. In winter you may also find European Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. See the bird list below for the full list of birds.

Details

Access

Drive to the Manikata church but instead of parking at the church, drive past the church and on to the main road. Eventually the road turns, on that turn you will see another pathway with a map or sign near it. Park your car near the entrance, making sure you are not blocking the way. I suggest you do not visit in summer as it can get very hot. You can explore the area by walking or by bike as cars and motorbikes are not allowed. There are multiple paths to choose once you walk deeper in. Make sure to get plenty of water as it gets hot, especially in summer. The best times to visit are morning and evening as it will be less hot and there will be less noise.

Terrain and Habitat

Moors/heathland , Agriculture , Steppe , Scattered trees and bushes , Canyon/cliff , Beach , Sea

Conditions

Open landscape , Dry , Rocky , Flat , Dusty

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Bicycle , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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