Share a story of how you have experienced weather and/or climate at this place
when cycling recreationally along the Essich Road, I spotted green parakeets in a tree at the roadside (2022), I've also seen magpies in Inverness in the last 2 years. They've been noticably absent from Highland previously. Seems to indicate new species moving in to the area due to warmer weather. What impact will this have on our native species?
Have you observed the weather, climate, or natural environment at this place changing over time?
Water levels in the Lochs around Inverness (both Loch Duntelchaig and Loch Ness) are noticably lower these last 2 years than previously, presumably a consequence of lower rainfall and warmer summers. I've regularly cycled past them (recreationally) for the last 6 years (approx), and started wild swimming during lock down, which I still do, so notice the absense of water! Also seen low water levels in various ponds around Inverness (eg Stratherrick Road / Stratherrick Park duck pond, pond in Lochardil woods). when out for a short walk from home.
Have you done anything to prepare for or address climate and weather changes at this place?
use active travel wherever possible (usually cycle or take my bicycle on the train) and turned the thermostat down on the central heating, also holidayed locally to try and keep my carbon footprint as low as practicable and reduce my contribution towards climate change
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 14 August 2023.
