https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41299 2026-04-09T22:53:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40104 Title: Il-Merill : bulletin of the Malta Ornithological Society no. 13 Abstract: 'IL-MERILL' is a Malta Ornithological Society publication. The Editor welcomes articles, and other features treating aspects of the Ornithology concerning the Maltese Islands and the Mediterranean. 1974-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40103 Title: A weekend in Cyprus Abstract: At the end of January I was lucky enough to have two whole days free whilst serving at RAF Akrotiri, in Cyprus. To many people, knowing of its association with the British Forces, Cyprus is thought of as a sister island to Malta. This, of course, is not true, for the island is very much larger than Malta - about the size of Crete - and boasts a large and varied resident bird population. Whilst shooting and trapping is still carried out on a large scale, conservation measures are gradually, being introduced by the Government; Nature Reserves have been established and abuses of the conservation laws are usually 'pounced upon' by the Police Force. 1974-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40100 Title: Unpublished rare occurrences before 31st December, 1971 Abstract: An examination of the specimens kept at the Natural History Museum at Mdina reveals that a number of rare occurrences have so far remained unpublished. Excepting the Egyptian Vulture and the Crossbill, all the occurrences have been recorded less than twenty times in the Maltese Islands. Apart from a list compiled from the Natural History Museum, with the kind permission of the Director of Museums, known and reliably dated specimens in private collections have been included. Unless otherwise indicated, the specimens are all found at the Natural History Museum. 1974-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40097 Title: Editorial Abstract: Conservation being a "modern" issue is plagued by lack of understanding of the fundamental aims involved and by a proper sense of conviction and personal commitment. This explains why official "celebrations" of the environmental cause inevitably degenerate into mere empty pomposities - the heart is simply not in it. On the other hand individuals who embraced conservation because it happens to be the latest intellectual fad - consequently lacking conviction - are effusive when it comes to pay lip service but deficent in effective action and serious intent. 1974-01-01T00:00:00Z