archive
Apr-Jun 2010
free tickets to world film premiere
Pelican Blood is a contemporary thriller set in the world of bird watching, and should appeal to anyone with an interest in birding. Visit the Vimeo website to see a trailer of the film - which stars Emma Booth, Arthur Darvill, Harry Treadaway and Christopher Fulford - and the Broadway Films website for some additional scenes. (Note that this is an adult film featuring strong language.)
The World Premiere is at 6.30pm on Thursday 17 June at Edinburgh Cineworld, and the SOC has 20 FREE tickets (for two) to give away! To claim your free ticket, please phone or email us at Waterston House. These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and conditions apply.
Tickets can be purchased for the premiere, and for the second screening on Fri 18 June (21:00), by calling the Edinburgh International Film Festival Box Office on 0131 623 8030 (from 3 June) or can be obtained from Cineworld during the festival (which runs from 16-27 June). For more information, visit the Edinburgh International Film Festival website, where the 2010 programme will be unveiled on 1 June.
(added 20 May 2010)
Fair Isle vacancies
The Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust is advertising the posts of Warden and Administrator, with responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the brand new Bird Observatory and Lodge. "These are challenging and responsible posts, requiring considerable initiative, dedication and autonomy. They provide a unique opportunity to live and work in a setting of outstanding natural beauty, and exciting possibilities to spearhead the continuing development of a world-famous ornithological research station and visitor facility."
Applicants are required to be in post no later than February 2011. The closing date for applications is 5th July, and interviews will be held on Fair Isle in late August 2010. See the FIBO website for details.
(added 14 May 2010)
Jan-Mar 2010
John Threlfall art exhibition
The Bigger Picture - A Landscape for Birds
For the wildlife artist birds are an endless source of fascination and inspiration; in their colours and patterns lie limitless picture making possibilities; in their behaviour and interactions are exciting shapes and forms, but it is their habitat and their environment that defines them. It is the mountain that has shaped the eagle and the raven, the sea that characterises the gannet and the razorbill, the shoreline and the estuary that conditions the oystercatcher and the curlew. It is to this 'bigger picture' that John Threlfall, a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists, has focused for his forthcoming exhibition at Waterston House.
For the wildlife artist it is as much about immersing oneself in the landscape in order to get closer to the chosen subject matter as it is about the birds and animals themselves. John was the Swarovski 'Bird Artist of the Year' in 2007 so he is acknowledged for his portrayal of birds. This exhibition allows the landscape artist within to flourish while confirming that there is indeed no separation; the landscape may define the bird but it is the bird that makes the landscape come alive.
The Bigger Picture is at Waterston House from Saturday 3rd April until Wednesday 26th May. The Donald Watson Gallery is open 7 days, 10am to 4pm (weekdays) and 12 noon to 6pm (weekends).
Click the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 25 Mar 2010)
Dumfries indoor meeting cancelled
Another branch meeting has fallen victim to the weather, with the Dumfries meeting on 13th Jan cancelled.
(added 10 Jan 2010)
unusual bird behaviour
Jimmy Maxwell, co-editor of Scottish Birds, is keen to hear from any SOC members around the country who have witnessed highly unusual bird behaviour in these extreme winter conditions. Only a small factual note is necessary, and a photo would be a bonus (but please try to limit the file size to a maximum of 500KB). If received in time, these will hopefully feature in the Scottish Bird News section of our March edition.
Please send your notes, ideally by email, to the SOC at Waterston House. Thanks!
(added 8 Jan 2010)
Stewartry indoor meeting cancelled
Unfortunately the Stewartry indoor branch meeting on 14th January has been cancelled due to the hazardous weather conditions.
(added 8 Jan 2010)
BTO Coordinator job vacancy
The BTO is recruiting for the post of Fieldwork and Training Coordinator, based at their offices in Stirling.
The closing date for applications is 6th January 2010. Job particulars and an application form can be downloaded from the BTO website.
(added 3 Jan 2010)
Oct-Dec 2009
Waterston House festive break
Waterston House is open this weekend, then closed from Mon 21st until Sun 3rd, reopening on Mon 4th January.
Season's greetings to everyone connected with the club!
(added 19 Dec 2009)
Carol Barrett art exhibition and talk
"African Journey" is a collection of drawings and paintings by Carol Barrett, mostly inspired by animals seen along the Chobe River in northern Botswana. On show at Waterston House from Saturday 6th February until Wednesday 31st March, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Click the image on the right to see the exhibition poster.
To mark the opening, Carol will be at Waterston House's gallery on the 6th Feb from 12 noon to 4pm. She will also be giving a free illustrated talk about some of her experiences in the African bush, from 2 to 3pm on Saturday 6th March.
(added 11 Nov 2009)
SOC Christmas cards
A new set of SOC Christmas cards features images by renowned wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell. The cards are available in packs of 12, containing three each of four designs. They have been left blank inside for your own seasonal greeting. Click on the image to see all four designs.
The cards are available, priced £4.95 per pack, from Waterston House. If ordering by post, please add £1.50 p&p per pack, and make cheques payable to "SOC".
(added 10 Nov 2009)
Darren Woodhead art exhibition and talk
"Up River, The Song of the Esk" is a new exhibition by Birdwatch magazine's artist of the year Darren Woodhead. On show at Waterston House from Sat 28th Nov until Wed 3rd Feb, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm. (The gallery is closed over the festive period, from 21st Dec - 3 Jan.)
To mark the opening of the exhibition - and the launch of his new book of the same name - Darren will be giving a free talk and demonstration from 2-4pm on the opening day, 28th Nov.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 6 Nov 2009)
Jul-Sep 2009
Keith Brockie art exhibition
You can see "Island to Highland", a new exhibition by wildlife artist Keith Brockie, from Saturday 10th October until Wednesday 25th November at Waterston House. The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, 12 noon to 6pm at weekends until 18th Oct, and 10am to 4pm at weekends from 24th Oct.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 22 Sep 2009)
Aberlady Goose Watch
Due to popular demand, we are once again holding two Goose Watch nights at Aberlady. This year's events take place on Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th October, both starting at Waterston House at 4.30pm. There will be an illustrated talk by a local expert, after which you will witness the spectacle of thousands of birds flying in to roost on the reserve.
The event costs £4 (£2 for SOC members and children), and advance booking by phone or email is essential. Refreshments will be served.
(added 11 Sep 2009)
Fife Bird Atlas available on CD
The Fife Bird Atlas is now out of print. However, a CD with the entire contents is available for the price of £5 including p&p. Enquiries should be directed through The SOC at Waterston House. Please make cheques payable to "Norman Elkins".
(added 23 Aug 2009)
BBMS leaflets and newsletter
As part of the Building Bird Monitoring In Scotland project, the BTO has produced three leaflets and a newsletter to promote bird recording.
Bird Atlas 2007-11, Recording Birds in the Uplands, and Why Record Birds? can all be downloaded in PDF format from the BBMS leaflets page.
The latest Birds in View newsletter can be downloaded from the BBMS newsletter page.
The BBMS project is a partnership between BTO Scotland, The SOC, SNH, and The Gillman Trusts.
(added 23 Aug 2009)
Atlas - Ayrshire newsletter
The summer 2009 issue of Atlas - Ayrshire is now available online. Click here to download a copy as a PDF file, or visit the Bird Atlas 2007-11 page.
(added 23 Aug 2009)
review of Yellow-legged Gull records
A note from SBRC Chairman Alan Brown:
Review of Scottish Records of Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis by the Scottish Birds Records Committee
Many birders will know from personal experience that the safe identification of Yellow-legged Gull in the field is not straightforward and can be a significant challenge. That is why, in February 2008, the SBRC published a set of criteria which should be considered when identifying and describing the species. In June 2009 the SBRC similarly published criteria relevant to Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans and made some minor changes to the criteria for Yellow-legged Gull. (See the main SBRC page for links to these these documents.)
At a recent meeting of members of the SBRC, it was decided that the Committee should undertake a review of all earlier records of Yellow-legged Gull in Scotland in view of possible past inconsistency in their assessment prior to the publication of the criteria referred to above.
The results of the review will be published on this website in due course.
(added 21 Aug 2009)
Paul Bartlett art exhibition
Starting on Saturday 29th August, Paul Bartlett makes a welcome return to Waterston House with a new exhibition of wildlife paintings. "From Eiders to Elephants" is open 7 days a week until Wednesday 7th October, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 12 noon to 6pm at weekends.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 11 Aug 2009)
new local recorder for Highland region
Kevin Davis is the new Highland bird recorder. See the Highland recording area page for contact details.
(added 4 Jul 2009)
Apr-Jun 2009
SOC website maintenance
Our website will be unavailable for a while on 3rd/4th August, to allow our hosting company to move us to a new server. The work begins at 9pm on 3rd, and should take no more than 12 hours. The address of the SOC website will not be affected by the move.
(added 31 Jul 2009)
William Neill art exhibition
Sky, Sea and Machair is an exhibition of paintings by wildlife artist William Neill, on show at Waterston House from Saturday 25th July until Wednesday 26th August. Entry is free, and the gallery is open 7 days a week, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 12 noon to 6pm at weekends.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 10 Jul 2009)
Swift colony survey
The Concern For Swifts project is looking for records of Swift nest sites in Scotland. The information will be used to help protect existing habitat, and also to create new habitat. See the Concern For Swifts website for more information. Records can be returned using one of the following forms, or via the website.
- survey form (Word format)
- survey form (PDF format)
(added 11 Jun 2009)
identification of Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls
The Scottish Birds Records Committee has published the criteria that should be considered when identifying and describing a Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans). It has also made some minor changes to the criteria for Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis), originally published in February 2008. Both documents can be downloaded (in PDF format) from the SBRC web page.
(added 2 Jun 2009)
natural history art exhibition
A new exhibition of natural history art is on show at Waterston House until Wednesday 22nd July. Featured artists include Pat Beveridge, Tommy Daniels, Jenny Matthews, Howard Towll, John Threlfall, and Darren Woodhead. The Donald Watson gallery is open 7 days, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 12 noon to 6pm at weekends. Entry is free.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 12 May 2009)
Eagle satellite tracking in the Borders
Members of the Lothian & Borders Raptor Study Group have initiated a project to help understand the dispersal and survival of Golden Eagles in the Borders, by satellite tracking a juvenile from the only remaining nest site in the region.
See the Natural Research website for more information.
(added 23 Apr 2009)
Scottish woodland breeding bird survey
The BTO are looking for birdwatchers to help keep track of the changing fortunes of the wild birds in Scottish woodlands. If you'd like to help by surveying a Scottish woodland square for the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey, click here for more details (PDF file).
(added 15 Apr 2009)
Lothian Bird Report
The new Lothian Bird Report, covering 2006, is now available priced £8.50.
See the Lothian recording area page for more information.
(added 15 Apr 2009)
West Galloway branch website
West Galloway SOC has launched its own website www.westgallowaysoc.org.uk, featuring news of local meetings and outings, plus a birding 'blog'.
(added 14 Apr 2009)
optics demonstration day at Waterston House
If your objective is a new pair of binoculars, a telescope, or a tripod, then zoom over to Waterston House this Sunday (19th). Between 10am and 4pm you can check out a wide variety of makes and models in field conditions. Staff from Viking Optical Ltd will be on hand to give free expert advice.
optics day poster (PDF)
(added 14 Apr 2009)
new 'troubleshooting' page
The first entry on the troubleshooting page explains how to make sure you're browsing the latest version of an SOC website page. (Unless, that is, you're an AOL customer...)
Let us know if you have any problems using the SOC website, and we may well publish a solution on the troubleshooting page (which can also be accessed by clicking on the about our website link on the Home page and scrolling down).
(added 12 Apr 2009)
new SOC datasets on the NBN Gateway
The SOC has just uploaded three new datasets to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway: the Fife breeding and non-breeding atlases 1991-99, and the (not yet published) North-east Scotland breeding atlas 2002-2006.
See the breeding distribution of Scottish birds at tetrad scale from Clyde, Lothian, Borders, Fife and North-east Scotland: go to the bird recording in Scotland page and click on the 'species maps from the NBN Gateway' link, or visit the NBN Gateway web pages directly.
(added 12 Apr 2009)
Clyde Birds No 19
The 19th edition of Clyde Birds is now available from the Assistant Local Recorders, branch meetings, Waterston House, Aberlady, and the RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve shop.
Incorporating the 2005 Clyde and Clyde Islands Bird Reports, it costs £6 (plus £1 p&p if ordering by post). See the Clyde recording area page for details.
(added 9 Apr 2009)
BTO talks and training courses
As part of the Building Bird Monitoring in Scotland project, the BTO has organised a programme of free talks and training events. Click here for a list of 'Bird Survey Taster Days' taking place around the country.
(added 7 Apr 2009)
Osprey satellite tracking
The Highland Foundation for Wildlife is once again tracking migrating Ospreys as they travel to/from their breeding sites in Scotland. You can monitor their progress on the Foundation's website: click on the link above.
Click here to see the journey of "Beatrice" on Sunday 5th April, as she flew from Selkirk to her nest in Moray, via Lothian, Fife, Angus and Deeside.
(updated 6 Apr 2009)
6 million American records to go online
800 volunteers have embarked on a project to scan and transcribe 6 million handwritten bird record cards from the USA and Canada. The records, some dating from the 1880s, will be converted into a digital database for online access. See the CNN website for more information.
(added 6 Apr 2009)
Edinburgh International Science Festival
This year's science festival runs from 4-18 April. Various natural history events are featured; these include a programme of talks and discussions to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth (and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species), and also the centenery of The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Darwin events (PDF file)
Royal Zoological Society events (PDF file)
(added 2 Apr 2009)
Jan-Mar 2009
Chris Rose art exhibition
"Between The Tides" is an exhibition of recent paintings and drawings by Borders-based artist Chris Rose, on show at Waterston House from Saturday 4th April until Wednesday 27th May. Entry is free, and the gallery is open 7 days, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 12 noon to 6pm at weekends.
Chris will be present at Waterston House on the opening Saturday, from 12 noon until 6pm.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 17 Mar 2009)
The Birds of Scotland Fund
The SOC is pleased to launch The Birds of Scotland Fund, which has been established to support ornithological publications and special projects in Scotland. The fund was made possible by the financial success of The Birds of Scotland book, with 3000 of the 3500 print run sold so far.
We welcome grant applications from anybody who has a suitable project - for full details and an application form, see The Birds of Scotland Fund page.
(The fund complements the SOC Endowment Fund, which is available to support ornithological research and fieldwork.)
(added 28 Feb 2009)
Bird Atlas - second winter visits
A note from Bob Swann, Bird Atlas 2007-11 Scottish organiser:
"Atlas work has gone exceptionally well this winter in Scotland. The main aim now is to get late visits to tetrads completed by the end of the month. If you still have outstanding visits to tetrads to complete TTVs I would be grateful if you could make an effort to get them surveyed by the 28th February. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and provide decent opportunities for fieldwork.
We are also keen to get more roving records for missing species, during the winter period (Nov-Feb). We DO NOT need records from March. To find out which species are missing log on to the Bird Atlas 2007-11 website. Click on the Any Square Summary button. Put in details of any 10km square or tetrad, choose winter then click on GO. You'll then get a list of all species recorded in that square. For any NEW species you have come across please submit them as Roving Records.
Many thanks for all your help with this important project."
(added 13 Feb 2009)
Outer Hebrides Bird Report
This new-style report, covering 2005/2006, is now available. Redesigned by a team of local birders, it has 250 pages, and features several plates of colour photos. For a list of contents, see the Outer Hebrides recording area page. To obtain a copy, send a cheque for £8.50 including p&p, made payable to "The Outer Hebrides Bird Report", to
Brian Rabbitts
6 Carinish
Isle of North Uist
Outer Hebrides
HS6 5HL
(updated 22 Jan 2009)
Species maps from the NBN Gateway
The SOC is a contributor to the National Biodiversity Network, a web-based source of wildlife information for the UK. You can now access the NBN Gateway via the SOC website, and plot distribution maps based on the SOC data. Click on the NBN Gateway link near the top of the bird recording in Scotland page.
(added 18 Jan 2009)
St Abbs art exhibition at Waterston House
Coming soon to Waterston House: "St Abbs - A Celebration" features artwork by Mark Boyd, John Busby, Nye Hughs, David Measures, Janet Melrose, Lesley Skeates, Mary Anne Sneddon, John Steele, Kenneth Wilson, and Darren Woodhead.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 7th February, and runs until Wednesday 1st April. Entry is free, and the gallery is open 7 days a week from 10am until 4pm.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 20 Jan 2009)
Oct-Dec 2008
Highland Branch: change of meeting venue
SOC Highland Branch has changed the venue for its January and February meetings because the Culloden library is closing for improvements. The meetings will now be held in the Drama Room of Culloden Academy at 7.45pm on Tuesday 13th January and Tuesday 3rd February.
(added 22 Dec 2008)
Save The North Sea lecture
On Wednesday 21st January the Scottish Seabird Centre hosts an event to highlight the damage caused by the 20,000 tons of litter dumped into the North Sea every year. Click here to download more information (PDF file).
(added 22 Dec 2008)
All I want for Christmas...
Thinking of buying the SOC's award-winning Birds Of Scotland book as a Christmas present?
Copies are still available direct from Waterston House, Aberlady, and from Viking Optical, 101 Rose Street, Edinburgh. We can also send copies by Parcelforce; orders received before 11am on 18th December should in most cases be delivered in time for Christmas, but we can't guarantee this. See the Birds of Scotland website for more information on the book and how to order it.
(added 4 Dec 2008)
Highland Bird News
The latest issue can now be downloaded from the Highland branch page.
(added 4 Dec 2008)
Christmas/New Year break at the SOC
Waterston House (and the Donald Watson gallery) will be closed from Monday 22nd December until Sunday 4th January inclusive. We reopen on Monday 5th January. See the contact us page for office and building opening hours.
(added 1 Dec 2008)
Fund-raising for Fair Isle Observatory
There will be a fund-raising evening for the Fair Isle Bird Observatory on Sunday 30th November, at the Ythan Hotel, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. The event will include a quiz, raffle, talks, and an auction - to which the SOC has donated a copy of The Birds of Scotland. Bids can be accepted by email if you are unable to attend the event.
event details (PDF file)
(added 24 Nov 2008)
Recording areas on Google Maps
The twenty Scottish recording areas can now be viewed on a customised 'Google Map'. Go to the bird recording in Scotland page and click on the Google logo.
(added 21 Nov 2008)
Laurie Campbell photography exhibition
A new exhibition of work by wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell begins at Waterston House on Saturday 29th November. "Wild Nature" runs until 4th February, and entry is free. The Donald Watson gallery is open 7 days a week* from 10am until 4pm.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
* excluding the Christmas/New Year break - dates to be confirmed.
(added 16 Nov 2008)
Bird Atlas 2007-11 newsletters
With the Bird Atlas project entering its second winter period, Ayrshire and SE Scotland (Lothian & Borders) regions have produced newsletters with information for new and existing volunteers. These can now be downloaded from the Bird Atlas page.
Contact us if you have a Bird Atlas newsletter you would like added to the list.
(added 28 Oct 2008)
9th International Gull Meeting
The 9th International Gull Meeting takes place in North-east Scotland from 26 February until 1 March 2009 (Thursday-Sunday inclusive). As usual, the meeting will combine a series of evening talks with daytime visits to local gull sites. Talks will focus primarily on gull identification and taxonomy, while field visits will include trips to Peterhead and Fraserburgh. The meeting coincides with the best time of the year for gull watching in the area. Full details, including a programme of talks and booking information, can be found at the Chris Gibbins - gulls & birds website.
(added 28 Oct 2008)
Really Wild Flowers art exhibition
Now on at Waterston House: an exhibition of Scottish wild flower paintings by Kirsty Lorenz and Jenny Matthews.
"Really Wild Flowers" runs until Wednesday 26th November. The gallery is open 7 days a week from 10am - 4pm, and entry is free.
Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(updated 26 Oct 2008)
Aberlady Goose Watch: extra date
Our 16th October Goose Watch has sold out, but due to popular demand we've added an extra event on Tuesday 21st October. Learn about geese from a local expert, and enjoy the spectacle of thousands of birds flying in to roost on the reserve. Meet at Waterston House at 4.30pm, and bring warm clothing. Hot drinks will be available.
The event costs £4 (£3 for SOC members and children), and advance booking by phone or email is essential.
(added 6 Oct 2008)
New BBC Series: To The Ends Of The Earth
The BBC is looking for nine nature-lovers to take part in the filming of a new TV series. Those selected will be "given the opportunity to spend 10 weeks in some of the most remote corners of the world, as they face a number of training challenges with a view to winning a year's contract with the world famous BBC Natural History Unit". If you think you might be interested, click here for information on how to apply (PDF file).
(added 1 Oct 2008)
Jul-Sep 2008
Events calendar
Click here to view our new Events Calendar, which contains at-a-glance information on forthcoming conferences, exhibitions, and other bird-related events. SOC and non-SOC events are included.
The calendar can also be accessed via the menu on our Home page.
(added 18 Sep 2008)
Ayrshire Bird & Butterfly Report
The Ayrshire SOC branch has just published its 2007 Report. This is available, priced £4, from
- RSPB Lochwinnoch
- 'The Bookshelf' in Newmarket Street, Ayr and Church Street, Troon
- Tourist Board office in Ayr
- by post from Dick Vernon, 29 Knoll Park, Ayr, KA7 4RH (tel 01292 442195). Cheques should be made payable to "Ayrshire Bird Report"; please include an additional 50p to cover postage. Past issues are also available.
(added 18 Sep 2008)
The Birds of Scotland - selling fast
After only eight months of sales, there are just 750 copies of The Birds of Scotland remaining - 21% of the total print run. See the Birds of Scotland website for more information on the SOC's award-winning publication.
(added 13 Sep 2008)
Highland Bird News
The latest issue of Highland Branch's newsletter can now be downloaded from their web page.
(added 13 Sep 2008)
Optics Demonstration Day at Waterston House
The focus will be on binoculars, telescopes, and tripods at Waterston House on Sunday 12th October. Drop in between 10am and 4pm to check out a wide variety of makes and models in field conditions. Staff from Viking Optical Ltd will be on hand to give free expert advice.
(added 11 Sep 2008)
Aberlady Goose Watch
This year's Goose Watch takes place on Thursday 16th October. Learn about geese from a local expert, and enjoy the spectacle of thousands of birds flying in to roost on the reserve. Meet at Waterston House at 4.30pm, and bring warm clothing. Hot drinks will be available.
The event costs £4 (£3 for SOC members and children), and advance booking by phone or email is essential.
(added 11 Sep 2008)
Scottish Ringers' Conference
The 34th Scottish Ringers' Conference takes place from 14th-16th November at the Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar.
Click here for a conference programme and booking form. (PDF file)
(added 4 Sep 2008)
News archive page
Old news items, announcements etc can now be viewed on the archive page. Click the link on the left.
(added 14 Aug 2008)
Arrival of summer migrants
Birdline Scotland's migrant tables, covering 2004-08, are now available via the Surveys page.
(added 14 Aug 2008)
New Dumfries and Galloway Bird Report
The 18th Dumfries and Galloway Bird Report, covering 2006, is now available. Copies can be obtained from
- Waterston House, Aberlady
- Tourist offices in D & G
- WWT Caerlaverock
- RSPB Mersehead
- by post from Duncan Irving, 12 Great Eastern Drive, Glencaple, Dumfriesshire, DG1 4QZ
The report costs £7, which includes p&p. Please make cheques payable to "SOC Dumfries & Galloway Branches".
(added 12 Aug)
Seawatch Course in North Berwick
On Sunday 31st August, SOC President Chris Waltho will lead a one-day Seawatching course at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. The course will focus on ID skills and a range of observation and recording techniques. The cost is £12, which includes lunch and refreshments. Booking is essential - phone 01620 890202.
(added 7 Aug 2008)
North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory Website
The observatory website at www.nrbo.co.uk has been updated, and now includes a sightings 'blog' at northronbirdobs.blogspot.com.
(added 31 Jul 2008)
Derek Robertson Art Exhibition
"Art and observation" is a new exhibition of paintings by Derek Robertson, on show at Waterston House from Saturday 16th August until Wednesday 23rd October.
Entry is free, and the gallery is open daily, from 10am - 4pm on weekdays and 12 noon - 6pm on weekends. Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.
(added 29 Jul 2008)
Osprey Cam at Loch of the Lowes
The young Osprey at Loch of the Lowes has been spending more time away from the nest recently, so there's only a short time left to see it on the SWT 'Osprey Cam'. Go to the SWT website and click on the Osprey image to view live pictures.
(added 16 Jul 2008)
SE Scotland Bird Atlas - new website
Last year Lothian and Borders regions joined forces to begin running a local Bird Atlas project in parallel with the national 2007-11 Bird Atlas.
The South-East Scotland atlas team have created a new website at www.the-soc.org.uk/se-atlas. The site contains a wealth of information on the project and the birds of the region, including:
- how to take part in the survey
- details of the area covered
- preliminary species maps for the survey period
- species maps based on records submitted for the Lothian and Borders Bird Reports 1991-2006
- species maps from the 1988-94 local breeding atlas.
(added 5 Jul 2008)
The Birds of Scotland - latest news
After only six months, sales of The Birds of Scotland have reached 72% of the total print run. Get your copy now to avoid disappointment! For all the latest Birds of Scotland news, including another award and a glowing review from BirdGuides, see the book website at www.birdsofscotland.org.uk.
(added 1 Jul 2008)
Apr-Jun 2008
'The Birds of Scotland' Art Exhibition
From Saturday 5th July, Waterston House plays host to an exhibition of original artwork by John Busby and Tommy Daniels from 'The Birds of Scotland', the SOC's award-winning publication.
The exhibition runs until Wednesday 13th August, and is open daily from 10am - 4pm on weekdays, and 12 noon - 6pm on weekends. Click on the image on the right to see the exhibition poster. The Birds of Scotland website is at www.birdsofscotland.org.uk.
(added 19 Jun 2008)
White-tailed Eagles in East Scotland
The RSPB has produced a leaflet on the scheme to re-introduce White-tailed (Sea) Eagles to the East of Scotland. Click the image on the left to download a copy as a PDF file.
They would like to hear from you if you're lucky enough to spot a White-tailed Eagle anywhere in Scotland. Click here to download a PDF form for recording and reporting your sightings.
(added 29 Apr 2008)
New Borders Bird Report
The new Borders Bird Report, covering 2006, is now on sale.
Copies can be obtained from
- Waterston House, Aberlady
- Viking Optical Centre, 101 Rose Street, Edinburgh
- Malcolm Ross, Westfield, Smailholm, Kelso
- Harestanes Visitors Centre, near Jedburgh
The report costs £8.35 including p&p; please make cheques payable to Borders SOC.
(added 8 April 2008)
Osprey Cam at Loch of the Lowes
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has installed a new High Definition camera to broadcast live pictures from an Osprey nest at their Loch of the Lowes reserve near Dunkeld.
The 1080-line camera - possibly the first of its kind to be installed by any wildlife organisation in the world - is active between 9am and 8pm. Outside these times lower resolution cameras are used, with infrared images provided during the night. The pictures are on show on a large screen in the reserve visitor centre, and can also be viewed online: from the SWT website click on the live images link, then on the Osprey 'Cam1' thumbnail image.
(Apple Mac users may have to download a copy of Flip4Mac to view the (WMV) images; if you have any problems Bill Gardner may be able to assist.)
(added 7 Apr 2008)