The sanderling scampers about the waves looking for marine crustaceans, fish and even jellyfish to eat. It visits the UK in winter from its Arctic breeding grounds, but can also be seen as it…

The oak marble gall wasp produces brown, marble-shaped growths, or 'galls', on oak twigs. Inside the gall, the larvae of the wasp feed on the host tissues, but cause little damage.

Sand eels are a hugely important part of our marine ecosystem. In fact, the fledgling success of our breeding seabirds entirely depends on them.

The common rosefinch is a rare visitor to the UK, usually passing through in autumn.

This wading bird is mainly a visitor on its spring and autumn migration, though a small number nest in Scotland.

This elegant wader is an uncommon autumn visitor, often joining flocks of dunlin.

The tops of Oarweed fronds can be spotted floating on low tides. Kelp beds are an important habitat, providing shelter for many other marine creatures.

This dainty seaduck is a winter visitor to our coasts, particularly in northern and eastern Scotland.

This wading bird is a rare visitor from North America, usually spotted in autumn.