Description
Majjistral nature and history park is a huge area of garrigue. This area is perfect for a number of garrigue bird species and supports a good number of breeding birds such as szikipacsirta, törpeposzáta, Sordély, Parlagi pityer and Kék kövirigó. It is the only area where Parlagi pityer breed regularly in the maltese islands and one of the only places where Sordély breed in the islands. Under the cliffs there is also a breeding colony of bukdosó vészmadár.
You can also observe lots of migratory species such as Gyurgyalag, Barna rétihéja, Darázsölyv, Fakó rétihéja, Hamvas rétihéja, Szalakóta, Hantmadár, Pusztai hantmadár and many more birds. In winter you may also find cigánycsuk and Réti pityer. See the bird list below for the full list of birds.
Details
Access
Drive to the Manikata church but instead of parking at the church, drive past the church and on to the main road. Eventually the road turns, on that turn you will see another pathway with a map or sign near it. Park your car near the entrance, making sure you are not blocking the way. I suggest you do not visit in summer as it can get very hot. You can explore the area by walking or by bike as cars and motorbikes are not allowed. There are multiple paths to choose once you walk deeper in. Make sure to get plenty of water as it gets hot, especially in summer. The best times to visit are morning and evening as it will be less hot and there will be less noise.


