Anyone familiar with bird watching in Malta is almost certain to have come across Benny Scerri’s incredible work in photographing birds that traverse across Malta in their migratory journeys.

This time he’s captured some stunning compositions of a Water Rail, referred to as Gallozz tax-Xitwa in Maltese, a bird typically spotted in winter months with a distinctive red-orange beak and blue-grey chest.

Although it tends to be quite a shy bird, it has a loud squealing and grunting call that often betrays its presence – so if you’re in nature and seeking out these cuties, give a listen! You’re most likely to spot them at the Simar Nature Reserve in Xemxija or the Ghadira Nature Reserve in Mellieha, or any other sites that include undisturbed valleys with a water source and an abundance of shelter.  

Have you ever seen a Water Rail in Malta?