Track My Trace
Trace other than footprint
To look out for river wildlife, other than using animal tracks or the pungent otter spraint, scientists would use bird calls to identify bird communities living in the woods. Birdsong serves as a unique auditory fingerprint, revealing species presence and behavior. Each species has a distinct vocalization, from melodious songs to intricate chirps. Birders utilize field guides, personal experience and even smartphone apps to match calls with specific species. You can discover more wildlife that is difficult to see by listening carefully to nature.
To begin with...
The video introduces 20 common bird calls in the UK. Are you familiar with any of these? If not, it's an excellent opportunity to learn something new! Start by listening to the audio of the calls and see if you can identify them. Find a place near your home where birds are likely to nest, then take a walk to see how many species you can identify in 10 minutes. It's a tiny competition between adults and children. Let's find out who is a potential bird expert!
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Bird Song Identification: Songs and calls for beginners - Amy Lewis (2019)
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Humans being one of the animals sharing the lovely river, our trace can also be found. As you walk along the Water of Leith Walkway, you will find traces of human activity, which are the remnants of rubbish. The careless disposal of trash in the wilderness leaves a lasting imprint on nature, turning pristine landscapes into testaments to human negligence. Discarded plastics, cans, and cigarette butts not only ruin the beauty of natural habitats but also pose severe threats to wildlife. Animals can unknowingly ingest or become entangled in the rubbish, leading to harm and even death. Moreover, the slow decomposition of these materials introduces toxins into ecosystems, compromising soil and water quality. Human traces in the form of litter stand as enduring symbols of environmental disregard, underlining the urgent need for responsible waste management and a collective commitment to preserving the River.
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In order to maintain the environment, our volunteers will clean up the walkway periodically. However, it is difficult for us to walk and work along the entire River daily. Therefore, we need your help to make a difference. You can help by maintaining the green space near your home free from litter. Your support would be greatly appreciated and will help keep our environment safe and healthy. Together, we can make a positive difference to our environment.
Moving beyond
