Simar Nature Reserve
DescriptionSimar Nature Reserve is found behind Xemxija Bay in the Northern Part of The island. It is one of the two Nature reserves found on the island. Originally the lower part of Wied il-Pwales where the reserve is situated was a waterlogged marsh but farmers dug a canal and drained the area for agricultural purposed thus destroying the wildlife. However farming never flourished and the site was abandoned. The area therefore was used as a dump, hunting site and also was flooded with sewage outflow. In 1992 Birdlife Malta took the site and transformed it into a nature reserve by restoring the lost habitat. The reserve includes reed bed, open pools, canals and an olive grove. The area is much rich in bio-diversity including many birds. Over 120 species of birds occur yearly at the reserve.
View of Simar from one of the Hides Flock of Black-winged Stilts resting in the Reserve
What to See
Resident and Breeding Birds: Breeding birds include Sardinian and Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola and Spanish Sparrow. Simar is one of the two sites where the Reed Warbler breeds. Other breeding birds include Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, and Tree Sparrow. Little Bittern has also bred in the past.
Summer Highlights:Best time for waders including Common, Green, Wood and Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and more. Kingfisher, Yellow Wagtail, Moorhen, Subalpine and Reed Warbler.
Winter Highlights: Black necked Grebe, Little Grebe, a few ducks including Teal and Pochard, Moorhen, Coot, Black headed Gull, Kingfisher, Song Thrush, Bluethroat, Stonechat, Robin, Moustached Warbler, Reed Bunting and Starling.
Autumn Highlights: Grey heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Night heron occasionally roost in the reserve or seen flying over. Jack Snipe, Hoopoe, Turtle Dove, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Northern Wheatear ,Marsh Harrier and passerines including Subalpine , Wood and Sedge Warbler. Robins begin to arrive.
Spring Highlights: Grey, Purple, Night heron, Little Egret, Little Bitterns, Eurasian Bittern (Rare), Turtle Dove, Wryneck, Barn Swallow, Red-Rumped Swallow, House and Sand Martin, Common Swift ,Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Spotted, Pied and Collared Flycatcher, Semi-collared Flycatcher(Rare) and many passerines including Wood, Willow, Garden and Sedge Warbler.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit is mainly in the autumn (Sep-Nov) migration and Spring (Mar-May) migration when a handful of variety birds are present for some time while on their migratory routes.
How to Get There
- Bus Number: From Valletta: 44 and 45, From Sliema: 652 and 645 and From Bugibba 48
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