🦢 Mute Swans

Mute swans are one of the biggest birds you might see on the River Don. They have long white necks and bright orange beaks. Swans often glide quietly on the water, but they can be very protective of their nests and babies. If you see a swan family, it’s best to give them plenty of space.

🦇 Pipistrelle Bats

Pipistrelle bats are the smallest bats in Scotland. They come out at dusk and fly along the river looking for insects. The River Don is a great place for bats because there are lots of insects and safe places to hide in trees and old buildings. You might not see them easily, but you may spot them fluttering in the evening sky.

🦆 Mallards

Mallards are the ducks most people recognise. The males have shiny green heads, and the females are brown and speckled. They paddle along the edges of the River Don and feed on plants, insects and small creatures in the water. Ducklings are often seen in spring and summer, following closely behind their mum.

🦦 Otters

Otters live along the River Don but are quite shy, so you may not see one. They are excellent swimmers and hunt for fish along the riverbanks. Otters use the river for food and quiet places to rest. Sometimes you can spot signs of otters, such as footprints in the mud or smooth paths through the grass.

🐦 Dippers

Dippers are small birds that live beside fast‑flowing rivers like the Don. They are dark in colour with a white chest and often bob up and down on rocks near the water. Dippers can walk underwater to find insects and tiny creatures to eat. Seeing a dipper is a good sign that the river is healthy.

🐟 Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are famous for swimming up rivers to lay their eggs. The River Don is an important river for salmon. They travel from the sea back to the river where they were born. Salmon need clean, cool water to survive, which is why looking after the River Don is so important.