While Montrose Basin is mainly recognise for its birds there are a number of mammals worth watching out for as well.  The most obvious are the seals.  Likely to be common seals (identification between common and grey seals can be difficult from a distance), they can be spotted on the same mud bank in the centre of the basin at low tide every day.  Generally awkward in their movements on land, mid tide gives you an opportunity to watch them ‘play’ in the water, showing just how adapted to the aqua-environment they are.

Recently we’ve been noting the number of individuals found in this population on a daily basis and, when compared to previous information on individual numbers, we can see that the Basin’s population has been steadily growing.  Admittedly small at only 28 individuals, this has, in fact, quadrupled in the last 10 years. This is a healthy, steady increase and, with other seal populations decreasing around Britain, it’s a good sign.  An increase in one of the areas primary predators also indicates that the Montrose Basin, and surrounding area, is still healthy and highly productive.

Georgina Bowie, Visitor Centre Assistant