As colder seasons set in across Europe, birds like the European robin migrate to warmer regions such as the Maltese Islands, typically returning north around March.

The talented wildlife photographer Benny Scerri captured stunning images of some of the season’s first arrivals yesterday, giving viewers a rare, up-close look at the beautiful, red-breasted robins – an opportunity many rarely experience in real life.

In addition to his photographs, Scerri filmed a delightful video of the robins taking a refreshing bath in a puddle, likely cooling off in Malta’s unseasonably warm weather. Despite their small size – typically weighing just 16 to 22 grams – these birds are easily recognized by their iconic red chests, often associated with the Christmas season due to their winter migrations.

The robin has held protected status in Malta since 1911, making it one of the earliest bird species to receive legal protection on the islands.

Have you spotted any robins recently?