An unusual large mixed fall of birds and insects on Filfla

Abstract

A number of small to moderate influxes of birds, involving one or more species, occur frequently during the migration seasons in the Maltese Islands. Some of these influxes can be quite localised: while a number of birds of one or more species may be recorded in one particular area, none or very few may be seen in other parts of the islands. On the other hand, very large falls are scarce and of irregular occurrence as these are brought about by unusual climatic conditions, such as a rapid transition from favourable to unfavourable weather. One such notable occurrence took place in September 1969 when the south-west of the islands was flooded with grounded birds (Sultana & Gaud 1969).