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  • Connemara Clingfish Lepadogaster candollii Length to 7cm <br />
Similar to Shore Clingfish but separable with care. Found under rocks and in pools on lower shore. Adult has a flattened body and large head. Typically green with reddish marbling. Lacks eyespots but note 2 red spots present at base of dorsal fin. Eyes are relatively large with radial bands of colour. Dorsal and anal fins are not connected to tail fin (they are in Shore Clingfish) but this feature can be hard to discern. Local and rather scarce, mainly in SW and NW.
    142653.jpg
  • Connemara Clingfish Lepadogaster candollii Length to 7cm <br />
Similar to Shore Clingfish but separable with care. Found under rocks and in pools on lower shore. Adult has a flattened body and large head. Typically green with reddish marbling. Lacks eyespots but note 2 red spots present at base of dorsal fin. Eyes are relatively large with radial bands of colour. Dorsal and anal fins are not connected to tail fin (they are in Shore Clingfish) but this feature can be hard to discern. Local and rather scarce, mainly in SW and NW.
    142651.jpg
  • Shore Rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus Length to 40cm<br />
Elongated, eel-like fish; head has 3 barbels. Found on lower shore, under rocks and in pools. Adult is dark brown overall, paler below than above. Head has 3 barbels. Fin arrangement is similar to that of Five-bearded. Local, SW only. NOTE Young of this species, and other rocklings, are known as ‘mackerel midges’ and are greenish above, silvery below; they are found among drifting seaweed rafts, and tangled hiding places on the seabed.
    141666.jpg
  • Shore ClingfishLepadogaster lepadogaster Length to 8cm<br />
Distinctive intertidal fish, found under rocks and in pools on lower shore. Adult is overall tadpole-shaped and broadly flattened, with a pointed snout. Colour is variable but typically yellow or orange with pattern of pale lines and dark spots, and 2 blue eyespots behind real eyes. Note also feathery tentacles in front of eyes. Pelvic fins are modified to form sucker, used for clinging to rocks. Widespread but local, commonest in SW from Dorset to N Wales.
    141613.jpg
  • Shore Rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus Length to 30cm<br />
Similar to Five-bearded but with 3 barbels. Found on lower shore, under rocks and in pools. Adult is dark brown overall, paler below than above. Head has 3 barbels. Fin arrangement is similar to that of Five-bearded. Local, SW only. NOTE Young of this species, and other rocklings, are known as ‘mackerel midges’ and are greenish above, silvery below; they are found among drifting seaweed rafts, and tangled hiding places on the seabed.
    141517.jpg
  • Green Shore Crab - Carcinus maenas
    136528.jpg
  • Shore of Loch Garten looking towards the Cairngorm Mountains, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145517.jpg
  • SHORE DOCK Rumex rupestris (Height to 1m) is similar to Clustered Dock but the whorled inflorescence is leafy only at the base (Jun-Jul). The leaves are greyish and blunt and the plant grows on rocky and stony coasts, mainly in S Cornwall; it is also found on the Scilly Isles.
    140261.jpg
  • Green Shore Crab - Carcinus maenas - female with eggs
    142198.jpg
  • Green Shore Crab - Carcinus Maenas
    141819.jpg
  • Green Shore Crab - Carcinus maenas
    114382.jpg
  • SHORE DOCK Rumex rupestris (Height to 1m) is similar to Clustered Dock but the whorled inflorescence is leafy only at the base (Jun-Jul). The leaves are greyish and blunt and the plant grows on rocky and stony coasts, mainly in S Cornwall; it is also found on the Scilly Isles.
    140325.jpg
  • SHORE DOCK Rumex rupestris (Height to 1m) is similar to Clustered Dock but the whorled inflorescence is leafy only at the base (Jun-Jul). The leaves are greyish and blunt and the plant grows on rocky and stony coasts, mainly in S Cornwall; it is also found on the Scilly Isles.
    140262.jpg
  • Green Shore Crab - Carcinus maenas infected with parasitic barnacle - Sacculina carcini
    141600.jpg
  • Green Shore Crab - Carcinus maenas infected with parasitic barnacle - Sacculina carcini
    141599.jpg
  • Shanny Lipophrys pholis Length to 15cm<br />
The commonest blenny on British shores. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore. Moves around in short bursts, seldom swimming far. Typically props itself up on pectoral fins. Adult is elongate, smooth and scaleless with proportionately large head. Has single, long dorsal fin with dip in middle. No tentacles on head. Usually mottled and marbled brown and buff. Widespread and locally common except in SE.
    141650.jpg
  • Shanny Lipophrys pholis Length to 15cm<br />
The commonest blenny on British shores. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore. Moves around in short bursts, seldom swimming far. Typically props itself up on pectoral fins. Adult is elongate, smooth and scaleless with proportionately large head. Has single, long dorsal fin with dip in middle. No tentacles on head. Usually mottled and marbled brown and buff. Widespread and locally common except in SE.
    141616.jpg
  • shore crab<br />
juvenile colour forms
    143127.jpg
  • Tompot Blenny Parablennius gattorugine Length to 25cm<br />
Impressive and colourful blenny. Found on rocky coasts, on lower shore and sublittoral. Adult has similar shape overall to Blenny but stouter body and striking dorsal fin that starts further forward and lacks obvious dip in middle. Head bears pair of frilly tentacles. Colour is variable but usually marbled reddish-brown and buff with dark bands. Locally common, SW only.
    142185.jpg
  • Sand Goby Pomatoschistus minutus Length to 65mm<br />
The chances are that any small goby you come across on a sandy shore will be this species. It is found in estuaries and on sandy coasts. It is usually buff, marbled and mottled darker, and a blue-ringed black spot is present on 1st dorsal fin. There are 50-75 scale rows along the side and scales are present on top of the head.
    142181.jpg
  • Sand Goby Pomatoschistus minutus Length to 65mm<br />
The chances are that any small goby you come across on a sandy shore will be this species. It is found in estuaries and on sandy coasts. It is usually buff, marbled and mottled darker, and a blue-ringed black spot is present on 1st dorsal fin. There are 50-75 scale rows along the side and scales are present on top of the head.
    142180.jpg
  • Tompot Blenny Parablennius gattorugine Length to 25cm<br />
Impressive and colourful blenny. Found on rocky coasts, on lower shore and sublittoral. Adult has similar shape overall to Blenny but stouter body and striking dorsal fin that starts further forward and lacks obvious dip in middle. Head bears pair of frilly tentacles. Colour is variable but usually marbled reddish-brown and buff with dark bands. Locally common, SW only.
    142128.jpg
  • Tompot Blenny Parablennius gattorugine Length to 25cm<br />
Impressive and colourful blenny. Found on rocky coasts, on lower shore and sublittoral. Adult has similar shape overall to Blenny but stouter body and striking dorsal fin that starts further forward and lacks obvious dip in middle. Head bears pair of frilly tentacles. Colour is variable but usually marbled reddish-brown and buff with dark bands. Locally common, SW only.
    142127.jpg
  • Rock Goby Gobius paganellus Length to 12cm<br />
Robust goby. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore. Adult has relatively large head and tail. Typically body is marbled brown, buff and grey but some individuals can be very dark (especially in spring) leading to confusion with Black Goby. Pale, yellowish-orange outer margin to 1st dorsal fin is diagnostic. It also has more than 50 scales along lateral line. Locally common in S and W; scarce elsewhere.
    141891.jpg
  • Rock Goby Gobius paganellus Length to 12cm<br />
Robust goby. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore. Adult has relatively large head and tail. Typically body is marbled brown, buff and grey but some individuals can be very dark (especially in spring) leading to confusion with Black Goby. Pale, yellowish-orange outer margin to 1st dorsal fin is diagnostic. It also has more than 50 scales along lateral line. Locally common in S and W; scarce elsewhere.
    141890.jpg
  • Horseshoe Bay, South Shore, Bermuda
    155024.jpg
  • Horseshoe Bay, South Shore, Bermuda
    155025.jpg
  • Sheltered Rocky Shore, Outer Hebrides, Scotland UK
    128242.jpg
  • Rocky Shore, Bardsey Island
    129495.jpg
  • shore crab larva
    142538.jpg
  • Thong Weed Himanthalia elongata. Length to 1m. Slender yellowish-brown seaweed. Grows attached to rocks on the lower shore, on rather sheltered coasts. FROND is strap-like are rather narrow (less than 1cm across); grows from centre of tough button-like structure attached to rock. STATUS Widespread and locally in W and N Britain; absent from most of SE.
    153706.jpg
  • Wolf Fish Anarhichas lupus Length to 90cm<br />
Unmistakable, superficially eel-like fish. It is usually an offshore species but sometimes it is found in deep pools on lower shore. Adult is elongate with a large, bulbous head and stumpy, peg-like projecting teeth. Locally common in E and NE Scotland.
    142965.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142671.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142672.jpg
  • Dragonet Callionymus lyra Length to 20cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Broad and flattened at head end, slender and tapering behind. Favours shallow inshore seas, sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult has rather long, tapering snout. Breeding male is distinctive: marbled reddish-brown with blue spots; 1st dorsal fin is very tall, 2nd marked with blue and yellow. Immatures and females are marbled yellow-brown; 1st dorsal fin is much shorter. Widespread but commonest on S and W coasts only.
    142656.jpg
  • Dragonet Callionymus lyra Length to 20cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Broad and flattened at head end, slender and tapering behind. Favours shallow inshore seas, sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult has rather long, tapering snout. Breeding male is distinctive: marbled reddish-brown with blue spots; 1st dorsal fin is very tall, 2nd marked with blue and yellow. Immatures and females are marbled yellow-brown; 1st dorsal fin is much shorter. Widespread but commonest on S and W coasts only.
    142446.jpg
  • Three-bearded Rockling Gaidropsarus vulgaris Length to 50cm<br />
Attractive, well-marked fish. Mostly sublittoral but sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult is pinkish-orange, marbled with darker patches; overall, darker above than below. Head has 3 barbels. Widespread and locally common in SW and W only.
    142392.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. STATUS Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142187.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. STATUS Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142178.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. STATUS Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142140.jpg
  • LumpsuckerCyclopterus lumpus Length to 55cm<br />
Unmistakable fish. Usually lives offshore but males, guarding eggs, are sometimes found in rocky shallows. Young sometimes occur pools on lower shore, and among floating rafts of seaweed. Adult is the size and shape of a rugby ball. Skin is lumpy and sometimes covered in parasites. Typically bluish-black above marbled reddish below. Young are often uniformly red or yellow. Widespread but local; commonest in N.
    142048.jpg
  • Rock Goby Gobius paganellus Length to 12cm<br />
Robust goby. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore. Adult has relatively large head and tail. Typically body is marbled brown, buff and grey but some individuals can be very dark (especially in spring) leading to confusion with Black Goby. Pale, yellowish-orange outer margin to 1st dorsal fin is diagnostic. It also has more than 50 scales along lateral line. Locally common in S and W; scarce elsewhere.
    141889.jpg
  • Rock Goby Gobius paganellus Length to 12cm<br />
Robust goby. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore. Adult has relatively large head and tail. Typically body is marbled brown, buff and grey but some individuals can be very dark (especially in spring) leading to confusion with Black Goby. Pale, yellowish-orange outer margin to 1st dorsal fin is diagnostic. It also has more than 50 scales along lateral line. Locally common in S and W; scarce elsewhere.
    141821.jpg
  • Five-bearded Rockling Ciliata mustela Length to 30cm<br />
Elongate, rather cylindrical fish. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore; adept at slithering into crevices to escape capture. Adult is overall brown above, paler below. 1st dorsal fin has long ray at front; 2nd dorsal fin contuse almost to tail. Head has 5 barbels. Widespread and fairly common, except in N.
    141778.jpg
  • Shore Plover - Thinornis novaeseelandiae
    164448.tif
  • Shore Lark - Eremophila alpestris
    160724.jpg
  • Shore Lark - Eremophila alpestris
    160742.jpg
  • A rocky shore at high tide on Bardsey Island, off the coast of Wales, United Kingdom.
    111848.jpg
  • A rocky shore at low tide on Bardsey Island, off the coast of Wales, United Kingdom.
    111849.jpg
  • Shore Springtail - Anurida maritima
    160039.jpg
  • Shore Springtail - Anurida maritima
    160040.jpg
  • Phoenician Juniper Juniperus phoenicia (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 8m. Small evergreen tree, or a spreading shrub. LEAVES Scaly twigs bear 2 types of leaves. Young leaves are up to 1.5cm long and 1mm wide, sharply pointed, showing pale bands on both surfaces; in bunches of 3 spreading at right-angles. Mature leaves are only 1mm long, resembling tiny green scales clasping the twig. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are inconspicuous and borne at ends of shoots, female cones are up to 1.4cm long, rounded and ripening from black through yellowish-green to a deep red in second year. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Mediterranean coasts and Atlantic shores of Portugal. Found in old collections in our region.
    101866.jpg
  • Phoenician Juniper Juniperus phoenicia (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 8m. Small evergreen tree, or a spreading shrub. LEAVES Scaly twigs bear 2 types of leaves. Young leaves are up to 1.5cm long and 1mm wide, sharply pointed, showing pale bands on both surfaces; in bunches of 3 spreading at right-angles. Mature leaves are only 1mm long, resembling tiny green scales clasping the twig. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are inconspicuous and borne at ends of shoots, female cones are up to 1.4cm long, rounded and ripening from black through yellowish-green to a deep red in second year. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Mediterranean coasts and Atlantic shores of Portugal.
    134934.jpg
  • Phoenician Juniper Juniperus phoenicia (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 8m. Small evergreen tree, or a spreading shrub. LEAVES Scaly twigs bear 2 types of leaves. Young leaves are up to 1.5cm long and 1mm wide, sharply pointed, showing pale bands on both surfaces; in bunches of 3 spreading at right-angles. Mature leaves are only 1mm long, resembling tiny green scales clasping the twig. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones are inconspicuous and borne at ends of shoots, female cones are up to 1.4cm long, rounded and ripening from black through yellowish-green to a deep red in second year. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Mediterranean coasts and Atlantic shores of Portugal.
    134921.jpg
  • Montagu's Blenny Coryphoblennius galerita Length to 8cm<br />
Colourful and distinctive blenny. Found in pools on rocky coasts, usually on mid-shore. Adult has similar shape overall to Shanny but with more obvious dip in middle of dorsal fin and diagnostic tall, frilly tentacle on centre of forehead, with smaller ones behind. Colour is variable but often marbled black, reddish and blue with pale spots. Locally common but mainly in S and W.
    142662.jpg
  • Montagu's Blenny Coryphoblennius galerita Length to 8cm<br />
Colourful and distinctive blenny. Found in pools on rocky coasts, usually on mid-shore. Adult has similar shape overall to Shanny but with more obvious dip in middle of dorsal fin and diagnostic tall, frilly tentacle on centre of forehead, with smaller ones behind. Colour is variable but often marbled black, reddish and blue with pale spots. Locally common but mainly in S and W.
    142659.jpg
  • Montagu's Blenny Coryphoblennius galerita Length to 8cm<br />
Colourful and distinctive blenny. Found in pools on rocky coasts, usually on mid-shore. Adult has similar shape overall to Shanny but with more obvious dip in middle of dorsal fin and diagnostic tall, frilly tentacle on centre of forehead, with smaller ones behind. Colour is variable but often marbled black, reddish and blue with pale spots. Locally common but mainly in S and W.
    142660.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - male and female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157630.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157629.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    155816.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    155817.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    155741.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    154119.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    154121.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    154126.jpg
  • Corkwing Wrasse Symphodus melops Length to 15cm<br />
A colourful species of wrasse, found on rocky shores with abundant seaweeds. Adult has variable colouring but is often yellowish or reddish with blue and red banding, especially on head. The is a dark spot at base of tail which is diagnostic. Widespread and locally common in S and W.
    141652.jpg
  • SCOTS LOVAGE Ligusticum scoticum (Apiaceae) Height to 80cm. Robust and hairless perennial; often forms sizeable clumps. Stems are ribbed and purplish and hollow towards the base. Found on cliffs, and stabilised grassland that fringes rocky and shingle shores. FLOWERS are white and borne in flat-topped umbels, 4-6cm across, on long, reddish stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are oval and flattened, with 4 wings. LEAVES are bright green, shiny and 2 times trifoliate with oval leaflets and inflated, sheathing stalks. STATUS-Locally common on Scottish and N Irish coasts.
    118920.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    128122.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    128331.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    135710.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    139212.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    140991.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    141703.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    141945.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    141946.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    144308.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    144309.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    144359.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
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  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    126326.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
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  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
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  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    128963.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
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  • Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius. If you live in western Britain or Ireland you will not need reminding that autumn is the season for westerly gales, which sweep across the Atlantic and batter our shores. Just occasionally, a few American birds, which began migrating south down the North American eastern seaboard, are swept across with these strong winds. Being strong fliers and long distance migrants, it is perhaps not surprising that several wader species turn up regularly.
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  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    137392.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    137397.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    139362.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    139363.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - juveniles. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - Bull. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157628.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    155814.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    155815.jpg
  • Great Northern Diver Gavia immer L 75-85cm. Buoyant waterbird. Large bill is held level or very slightly elevated. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black neck with two rows of white stripes. Upperparts are blackish with white patches on mantle and spots elsewhere. Underparts are gleaming white. Bill is dark. In winter, has dark grey upperparts and whitish underparts with dark half collar on neck. Bill is greyish. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but slightly grubby-looking. Voice Silent in our region. Status Non-breeding visitor to coastal seas, favouring both rocky shores and large bay; occasional on inland reservoirs.
    155742.jpg
  • Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius. If you live in western Britain or Ireland you will not need reminding that autumn is the season for westerly gales, which sweep across the Atlantic and batter our shores. Just occasionally, a few American birds, which began migrating south down the North American eastern seaboard, are swept across with these strong winds. Being strong fliers and long distance migrants, it is perhaps not surprising that several wader species turn up regularly.
    154280.jpg
  • Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius. If you live in western Britain or Ireland you will not need reminding that autumn is the season for westerly gales, which sweep across the Atlantic and batter our shores. Just occasionally, a few American birds, which began migrating south down the North American eastern seaboard, are swept across with these strong winds. Being strong fliers and long distance migrants, it is perhaps not surprising that several wader species turn up regularly.
    154281.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    154122.jpg
  • Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima L 21cm. Plump-bodied wader. Unobtrusive but typically confiding. Legs are yellowish in all birds and bill has yellowish base. White wingbar seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter is uniform blue-grey on head, breast and upperparts, darkest on back; belly is white and flanks are streaked. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring) has reddish brown and black feathers on back and dark ear coverts on otherwise streaked grey-brown face. Juvenile recalls winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins creating scaly look; neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Voice Utters a sharp kwit call in flight. Status Handful of pairs breed in Scotland. Best known as a local non-breeding visitor to rocky shores and headlands.
    154123.jpg
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