Had an incredible birdwatching experience in Geneva today!

We started our day at La Terrasse by Marti Marine, soaking in the views of the lake before walking along the shore. As we made our way around the two bridges near Île Rousseau, we were treated to the sights and sounds of 16 bird species! From elegant swans to energetic ducks, the area offered a stunning variety of avian life.

Such a peaceful and enriching experience—Geneva's natural beauty never disappoints! Can't wait for more birdwatching adventures ahead.

Birds we spotted:

• Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
• Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
• Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
• Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
• Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
• Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
• Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)
• Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
• Domestic Greylag Goose (Anser anser var. domesticus)
• Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
• Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
• Common Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
• Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

​Today's birdwatching in Lausanne was a great success! We recorded 13 bird species, with the best spot so far being near Half Moon Rocks, a port with a beautiful and peaceful view. Watching birds while surrounded by the calming waterfront made the experience even more enjoyable.

If you're in the area, this is definitely a spot worth visiting! 

Birds we spotted:

• Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) 
• Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
• Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
• Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
• Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
• Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
• Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 

• Common Raven (Corvus corax)
• Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula) 
• Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) 

A short walk by the lake next to Port de la Perle du Lac in Geneva turned into a nice little birdwatching session. In just a brief time, we recorded six bird species, proving that even a casual stroll can be rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts!
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Geneva's lakeside is full of surprises, and it’s always great to see how much biodiversity is right in the city. A reminder that you don’t need to go far to connect with nature—sometimes, it’s just a walk away!

Birds we spotted:

• Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) 
• Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) 
• Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 
• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Feral Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica)
  
• Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)

​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)

A great day out birdwatching in the center of Rotterdam! Despite the urban setting, we recorded 29 observations of 16 different species—a reminder that nature is always present, even in the city center.
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From common urban birds to a few surprises, every outing brings new insights into the wildlife around us. Looking forward to the next one!

Birds we spotted:

• Alopochen aegyptiaca (Egyptian Goose)
• Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard)
• Pica pica (Eurasian Magpie)
• Phalacrocorax carbo (Great Cormorant)
• Netta rufina (Red-crested Pochard)
• Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
• Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot)
• Branta canadensis (Canada Goose)
• Psittacula krameri (Rose-ringed Parakeet)
• Columba palumbus (Common Wood-Pigeon)
• Larus canus (Common Gull)
• Columba livia var. domestica (Feral Pigeon)
• Larus argentatus (European Herring Gull)
• Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen)
• Coloeus monedula (Eurasian Jackdaw)
• Ardea cinerea (Grey Heron)

The September 2023 floods in Pelion, Greece, were a devastating natural disaster, with significant ecological consequences for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the region. Our project, Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion (Greece), aims to assess the impact of these floods on local biodiversity through comprehensive wildlife surveys in the affected areas.

​During the marine survey conducted on October 6, 2024, the entire sea area of Theotokos Beach showed no signs of marine life, except for scattered dead leaves of Posidonia oceanica. However, a small section measuring approximately 10 meters by 4 meters was an exception. This area contained a submerged Plane tree (Platanus orientalis) and fragments of broken concrete from the boat slip, debris left behind by the September 2023 floods. Only in this zone were any fish and marine species observed, which, based on previous years' surveys, are unusually rare for this location and time of year.

Today’s birdwatching tour at Theotokos Beach, South Pelion (Greece) took us deep into a tranquil and remote area, where nature truly put on a show. We were treated to sightings and sounds from a variety of bird species, making the trip an unforgettable experience for all. Here's a recap of what we observed.

Birds We Spotted:

• Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata): This little beauty was seen flitting between the field and the nearby bushes, showing off its aerial agility.
• Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): Soaring gracefully at a distance over the field for few seconds.
• Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius): Flew across the road right in front of us, a flash of color and energy when we were passing a forest.
• Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs): Perched calmly in a pine tree as we began our return journey.
• Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos): Singing softly among the olive trees, a beautiful reminder of nature’s soundtrack.
• European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris): Spotted perched on the power lines.
• Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes): Seen in the bushes at the end of our route.
• Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula): Made a quick appearance as it flew across the road while we passed the forest.
• Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix): Soaring in the distance.
• Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus): Perched on the power lines, its presence a joyful reminder of the area's diverse birdlife.
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): Always a common but delightful sight, these were scattered across the field.
• Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes): This raptor made a dramatic overhead appearance, its flight a majestic display of speed and power.
• Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio): A female was perched on top of a tree near the power lines as we started our return.
  
  

Birds We Heard But Couldn’t See:

• Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus): We heard its melodic call near the villa, though it remained out of sight, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
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The variety of species we encountered today highlights the richness of biodiversity in this area. Each sighting brought its own excitement, whether it was the swift flight of a sparrowhawk or the cheerful chirps of smaller birds.
This is why I cherish these birdwatching tours—there’s always something new to discover. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

The September 2023 floods in Pelion, Greece, were not just a natural disaster; they were an ecological event with profound implications for the region's terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Among the many species affected by the floods, the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) has drawn particular attention, especially the juveniles that we were fortunate to document during the Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion (Greece).

The Importance of Juvenile Stingrays

​Juvenile stingrays are a critical indicator of the health of marine ecosystems. Their presence suggests successful breeding and a suitable environment for growth and development. In the context of Pelion, the discovery of juvenile Common Stingrays is particularly significant because it indicates that, despite the ecological upheaval caused by the floods, the conditions in the coastal waters still support the early life stages of this species. 

This observation was made today, September 3, 2024, at the beach of Theotokos in South Pelion, Greece.​ Additionally, the nearby beach of Liri holds the distinction of being the first officially recorded and studied nursery area for the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) in Greece.

Stingrays, like many marine species, have specific habitat requirements during their juvenile phase. They typically prefer shallow, sheltered areas with abundant food and low predation pressure, often favoring seabeds composed of mixed sediments, including sand and rocks. These areas provide not only sustenance but also refuge, which is vital for their survival.

The Impact of Habitat Changes on Juvenile Stingrays

The floods in Pelion dramatically altered the seafloor composition at Theotokos beach, transforming a significant portion of the seafloor from a rocky to a predominantly sandy substrate. This change can significantly impact juvenile stingrays for several reasons:

1. Loss of Shelter: Rocky substrates offer crevices and hiding spots that juvenile stingrays use to avoid predators. A shift to a sandy bottom reduces these refuges, potentially increasing predation rates on young stingrays.
   
   
2. Altered Food Availability: The composition of benthic (seafloor) communities can change with the substrate. Rocky areas typically host a variety of invertebrates, such as crustaceans and mollusks, which are key prey items for juvenile stingrays. A sandy substrate might not support the same diversity or abundance of these prey species, leading to nutritional stress for the stingrays.
   
   
3. Breeding and Nursery Grounds: The suitability of breeding and nursery grounds is critical for the continuation of stingray populations. If the altered seabed conditions are less conducive to supporting juveniles, it could lead to a decline in local stingray populations over time.