Visitors to Salina Nature Reserve were treated to a breathtaking sight this week as a group of Eurasian Spoonbills (known locally as Paletti) touched down on Sunday evening. The four elegant white birds arrived together, gliding gracefully over the reserve’s shimmering waters before settling into rest.

By Monday morning, the group had grown to five; the newest arrival bearing a ring from Hungary. Through the BirdLife Malta Ringing Scheme, which is affiliated with EURING, researchers confirmed that this bird was ringed as a chick (Pullus) on 29 April 2025, just south of Budapest. It was later spotted in Serbia in August before continuing its impressive migration to Malta, a journey spanning thousands of kilometres across Europe.

Adding to the excitement, another Spoonbill joined the flock three days later, bringing the total to six of these striking travellers now roosting at Salina. Their presence offers a rare opportunity for nature lovers to witness these magnificent birds up close.

If you’re nearby, visit Salina Nature Reserve in the coming days...you might just catch a glimpse of these graceful migrants resting before their next adventure.