In addition to the record number of wildlife sightings submitted by the public earlier this year (as featured in our January blog post), we’re excited to announce that we’ve now completed the mammoth task of collating all sightings reported by our incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated River Patrollers for 2024.
While the river’s box-office stars—Otters, Kingfishers, Dippers, and Herons—are frequently spotted by visitors and staff along the walkway, the patrol records reveal a far greater diversity of species and much more frequent sightings. These findings are shared annually with The Wildlife Information Centre (TWIC), which maintains the environmental records for south-east and central Scotland.
Our River Patrollers regularly monitor sections of the river and log their observations through our online reporting system. Many patrol volunteers have a keen interest in songbirds or invertebrates, which means their data captures a wider range of species than those typically reported by the public.
Thanks to the Patrol logs, the total number of wildlife sightings on the Water of Leith in 2024 has surged from 569 to a whopping 2,872! That’s a massive leap from the 654 sightings recorded in 2023—a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication of our volunteers. In total 95 species were record
Highlights from the River Patrol Logs
Among the many highlights from this year’s logs is the sheer abundance of songbirds. Patrols frequently reported sightings of:
Tits: Great, Blue, Coal, and Long-tailed
Finches: Green, Gold, Bull, and Chaffinches
Other songbirds: Blackcaps, Mistle Thrushes, Willow Warblers, and Song Thrushes
We’ve also had regular encounters with ‘treehuggers’—species that forage along tree bark such as Treecreepers, which climb upwards, and Nuthatches, often seen heading down tree trunks headfirst.
Less common but no less exciting sightings include Jays, Redwings, and Green Woodpeckers, alongside the more frequently seen Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Why Even the “Common” Species Matter
Some of the species logged may seem unremarkable at first glance, but each sighting is valuable. Take the Eurasian Blackbird, for example. Though widespread, this beloved songbird has seen a troubling decline in the UK—by as much as 32% in southern England—due to Usutu Virus.
Originating in South Africa, this virus has gradually spread through mainland Europe and is now present in parts of the UK. Its spread is linked to rising mosquito populations driven by climate change. By monitoring Blackbird numbers, our patrol data can contribute to national efforts tracking the virus’s northward spread—and help protect one of our most familiar and cherished birds.
Want to Get Involved?
If you’re passionate about wildlife and enjoy spending time by the river, consider joining our team of River Patrollers! You’ll play a vital role in protecting local biodiversity and contributing valuable data to conservation efforts.
👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.waterofleith.org.uk/volunteer/river-patrols/
