​What a fantastic day of wildlife recording at Hogganfield Loch and Frankfield Loch! We logged over 21 species in the area, highlighting the rich biodiversity of this urban wetland.

The biggest surprise? A Western Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) spotted near Stepps—an unexpected but welcome find!
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Every record helps us better understand and protect the amazing wildlife of Glasgow’s green spaces.

​Birds:

1. Corvus corone (Carrion Crow)
2. Pica pica (Eurasian Magpie)
3. Aegithalos caudatus (Long-tailed Tit)
4. Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
5. Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot)
6. Fringilla coelebs (Common Chaffinch)
7. Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
8. Ardea cinerea (Grey Heron)
9. Larus argentatus (European Herring Gull)
10. Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck)
11. Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)
12. Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
13. Cygnus olor (Mute Swan)
14. Bucephala clangula (Common Goldeneye)
15. Branta canadensis (Canada Goose)
16. Erithacus rubecula (European Robin)
17. Coloeus monedula (Eurasian Jackdaw)

Mammals:

   18. Capreolus capreolus (Western Roe Deer)
   19. Sciurus carolinensis (Eastern Gray Squirrel)

Invertebrates:

   20. Family Lumbricidae (Lumbricid Earthworms)

Plants: 

   21. Crocus tommasinianus (Woodland Crocus)

A fantastic birdwatching session today at Lochend Loch in Drumpellier Country Park! Spotted over 18 species, with plenty of activity both on the water and around the woodland edges.

It’s always amazing to see how much birdlife thrives in this beautiful spot. From waterfowl to woodland birds, there was plenty to see and hear!

Birds we spotted:

• Emberiza schoeniclus (Reed Bunting)
• Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
• Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)
• Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen)
• Cygnus olor (Mute Swan)
• Branta canadensis (Canada Goose)
• Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
• Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot)
• Motacilla cinerea (Grey Wagtail)
• Erithacus rubecula (European Robin) 
• Corvus corone (Carrion Crow)
  
• Haematopus ostralegus (Eurasian Oystercatcher)
• Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck)
• Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
• Prunella modularis (Dunnock)
  
• Turdus viscivorus (Mistle Thrush)
• Carduelis carduelis (European Goldfinch)
• Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling)

​A great day of birdwatching along the Monkland Canal! Spotted 12 species, including some wonderful surprises.
The canal is full of life, even in late winter. Always a joy to see how much biodiversity thrives in urban green spaces!

Birds we spotted:

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• Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
• Anas platyrhynchos var. domesticus (Domestic Mallard)
• Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
• Corvus corone (Carrion Crow)
• Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
• Cygnus olor (Mute Swan)
• Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen)
• Mergus merganser (Common Merganser)
• Aythya fuligula (Tufted Duck)
• Turdus merula (Eurasian Blackbird)
• Pica pica (Eurasian Magpie)
• Parus major (Great Tit)

Greetings, fellow wildlife enthusiasts and conservation advocates! Today, we are thrilled to unveil an exciting new project that promises to take us on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of seals. Welcome to Seal Quest – an ambitious endeavor to identify and celebrate the unique identities of these charismatic marine mammals within the Seal Codex (Wildbook) on UK and Greece.

The Seal Quest Initiative:
Seal Quest represents more than just a scientific endeavor; it's a passionate quest to unravel the mysteries of individual seals, to document their diversity, and to contribute invaluable insights to their conservation. With the support of cutting-edge technology, collaborative efforts, and the dedication of wildlife enthusiasts like you, we aim to create a comprehensive catalog of seal identities like never before.

Why Seal Quest Matters:
Seals are not just subjects of fascination; they are vital components of our marine ecosystems. By understanding the unique identities of individual seals – from their distinctive markings to their behaviors and habitats – we can gain deeper insights into their lives and the challenges they face. Armed with this knowledge, we can develop more targeted conservation strategies to protect these remarkable creatures and the environments they inhabit.

How You Can Get Involved:
We believe that conservation is a collective effort, and that's why we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Whether you're a seasoned researcher, a passionate citizen scientist, or simply someone who cares deeply about our natural world, there are countless ways to get involved in Seal Quest. From contributing seal sightings and photographs to engaging with our online community, your participation can make a real difference in our quest to unveil the unique identities of seals.

Seal Quest iNaturalist Project
​Seal Quest is on a mission to unveil the unique identities of seals and contribute valuable insights to their conservation. Now, with our new iNaturalist project, you can be part of this exciting initiative from anywhere in the world. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast, a seasoned researcher, or simply curious about seals, we invite you to join us in documenting seal sightings and contributing to our growing database of seal observations.

Joining the Seal Quest iNaturalist project is easy and requires just a few simple steps:

1. Create an iNaturalist Account: If you haven't already, sign up for a free iNaturalist account on their website or mobile app.
2. Join the Seal Quest Project: Once logged in, search for the "Seal Quest" project on iNaturalist and click "Join" to become a member.
3. Upload Your Seal Sightings: Whenever you encounter seals in the wild, snap a photo and upload it to iNaturalist. Be sure to include relevant information such as date, time, and location.
4. Contribute to Seal Conservation: Your seal sightings will not only contribute to our understanding of seal populations but also help inform conservation efforts to protect these magnificent marine mammals.

Seal Quest on Seal Codex (Wildbook)

In addition to our iNaturalist project, Seal Quest is also collaborating with the Seal Codex on Wildbook, an innovative platform for documenting individual seals and their unique characteristics. Clear photos of seal sightings need to be uploaded on the Seal Codex, further enriching our database and advancing our conservation efforts. 

Uploading sightings is simple – you can do it even without an account, though creating one is preferred.
Stay Connected:
To stay updated on the latest developments and discoveries from SealQuest, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter. Together, we can embark on this extraordinary journey, celebrate the diversity of seals, and pave the way for a brighter future for these magnificent creatures.

Are you ready to embark on a Seal Quest? The journey awaits!

Scotland's coastal waters are teeming with elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays! From the majestic Basking Shark to the mysterious Common Skate, these marine wonders play a vital role in our ecosystem.
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Have you ever spotted one during your seaside adventures? Share your elasmobranch encounters (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/sharks-in-scotland) or tag a friend who loves marine life! Let's celebrate the diverse and fascinating world beneath the waves. #Elasmobranchs #ScotlandMarineLife #OceanWonders #BiodiversityDiscovery