Wildlife Spotters report record numbers

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This year, we’ve had an abundance of wildlife sightings reported to us at the Visitor Centre, thanks to the enthusiasm and knowledge of the public, as well as our amazing volunteers and staff, and this does not include wildlife recorded on patrols or in surveys. In total, there have been 569 wildlife sightings on the river, of 80 different species gathered from 365 individual reports — exactly one per day!

Some key species have been out in force this year, with 82 sightings of Kingfishers — often a blur as they speed by — 51 Dippers bouncing and diving, 45 Herons keeping a watchful eye on the river, and 25 sightings of the beautiful Otters of the Water of Leith.

Other notable sightings included various birds of prey, such as Sparrowhawks, Buzzards, Kestrels, and even an Osprey spotted at the start of May. We’ve also had reports of mammals of all sizes. In addition to the Otters, there have been plenty of Badgers, Roe Deer, and the occasional Weasel. Brown Hares have been spotted in the upper catchment, and a slightly lost Harbour Seal was seen swimming around Redbraes last January. It’s also heartening to hear that there has only been one report of the invasive American Mink, which suggests that the Otters are successfully out-competing them.

What a fantastic level of engagement this year from people enjoying and helping to protect our local wildlife! Please keep the reports coming.

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