Focus Species

Although we are interested in all species in the area, we will be selecting each month ‘focus species’ that we are suggesting you look out for. These may be very common species, or rarer ones that we are keen to hear about. We will be highlighting these species on our Facebook page as well.

March – April

Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara

A small, yellow flower that is unusual in that it flowers before the leaves appear. The stems have reddish ‘scales’ on them, making it easily distinguished from dandelions. The hoof-shaped leaves appear later in the year.

Skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanus

One of our baddies, this is a non-native plant that spreads easily from gardens especially along waterways. We are keen to find out everywhere it is occurring in Oban. You may see one or two plants along a ditch or burn, or a huge number of them together. They are starting to sprout now and will become more obvious as the summer progresses with their bright yellow flower spike.

Red Squirrels Sciurus vulgaris

One of our most popular local residents. Their diet varies but is mainly seeds and nuts when available, including pine seeds as well as hazelnuts, spruce and larch seeds. They are therefore found in a variety of woods in and around Oban. We would love to hear where you are seeing them.

Frog and toad spawn

This is the time of year when spawn starts appearing, often in unlikely places. We are interested in both frog spawn (laid in large clumps) and toad spawn (long strings).

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

A large warbler with yellow colouring on the top and white underparts that likes hanging out in Atlantic Oakwoods. They start arriving in April and are here until September. There is more ID information on the RSPB website including a recording of its call.