archive

Darren Woodhead art exhibition

The SOC is delighted to welcome back award-winning wildlife artist Darren Woodhead, with a brand new exhibition at Waterston House. "From Tyne to Coast" opens on Saturday 19th November 2011, and runs until Wednesday 25th January 2012.

Our gallery is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm (but we're closed for the festive period from 25th Dec to 3rd Jan).

Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.

read a review of the exhibition

(added 5 Nov 2011)

Aberlady goose watch

This year we're holding our popular Goose Watch night on Tuesday 4th October. The event begins at Waterston House at 4.30pm, with an illustrated talk by a local expert. This will be followed by a short walk to Aberlady Bay to witness thousands of birds flying in to roost on the reserve.

The night costs £6 (£4 for SOC members and children), and advance booking by phone or email is essential. Refreshments will be served.

(updated 2 Sep 2011)

Outer Hebrides Biological Recording vacancy

The Outer Hebrides Biological Recording Project received funding in May this year to develop a database of biological records for the islands. They are now recruiting a Database Development Officer to begin collecting and collating records, populating the database, and generally helping to get the project up and running.

For full details and an application form, visit the Outer Hebrides Natural History Society (Curracag) website.

(added 2 Sep 2011)

BTO bird survey training course

For the first time in several years the BTO is running a 2½ day residential course in Scotland on Bird Survey Techniques. The course will be held at the Kindrogan Field Studies Council centre in Perthshire, and is available at a highly subsidised rate for members and volunteers. For full details, see the BTO website.

(added 1 Aug 2011)

wildlife art exhibition

This free exhibition features work by wildlife artists Leo du Feu, Paul Henery, Chris Lodge, William Neill, Chris Rose, and Howard Towll. It runs from Saturday 23rd July to Wednesday 14th September at Waterston House. The gallery is open daily, from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 12 noon-6pm at weekends.

Click on the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 4 Jul 2011)

vacancy: SOC Membership Development Officer

Term: 18-month fixed contract (with possibility for extension)

Salary: £25-30K

Closing Date : Friday 22nd July 2011

Currently in its 75th year, Scotland's national bird club is looking for an enthusiastic and results-driven individual to raise the SOC's public profile and, crucially, to grow its membership base – particularly among younger researchers and birders. There is scope for the post being home-based but the role will involve frequent travel around Scotland, liaising with staff at HQ in Aberlady, visiting the Club's 14 branches and attending promotional events.

click here for details

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to: MDO-applications@the-soc.org.uk

(added 16 Jun 2011)

Chris Packham: A Wild Life Exposed

To mark the club's 75th year, the SOC is presenting a talk by TV naturalist Chris Packham at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, on Saturday 24th September. Entertaining, informative, thought-provoking, and controversial, A Wild Life Exposed will be studded with Chris's trademark quick-witted and irreverent humour.

Tickets are available direct from the SOC at Waterston House, or from The Queen's Hall.

view poster/event details (PDF)

(added 27 Apr 2011)

Kokay and Latimer art exhibition

Birds, Landscape & Light is an exhibition of paintings by Szabolcs Kokay and Jonathan Latimer at Waterston House.

Running from Saturday 2nd April to Wednesday 25th May, the exhibition is open 7 days, from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 12 noon-6pm at weekends. Entry is free.

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 21 Mar 2011)

Artists for Nature in India

This new exhibition, featuring works by Keith Brockie, John Busby, John and Jane Paige, John Threlfall and Darren Woodhead, opens at Waterston House on Saturday 26th February.

Artists for Nature in India runs until Wednesday 30th March, and the gallery is open every day from 10am - 4pm. Entry is free.

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 16 Feb 2011)

John Busby art exhibition

This exhibition of John Busby's paintings and drawings features "Landscapes at the edge of the Sea", together with original illustrations from published books.

Running from Saturday 22nd January until Wednesday 23rd February at Waterston House, the gallery is open every day from 10am - 4pm, and entry is free.

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 4 Jan 2011)

Waterston House festive break

Waterston House will be closed over the Christmas/New Year period. We will be open as usual until Sunday 19th December, closed from Monday 20th December until Sunday 2nd January, and open again from Monday 3rd January.

A Happy Christmas to everyone involved with the club!

(added 16 Dec 2010)

Dumfries meeting cancelled

The Dumfries branch meeting on Wednesday 8th December has also fallen victim to the weather.

(added 7 Dec 2010)

The Birds of Scotland - Christmas delivery

We still have a few remaining copies of the club's award-winning publication The Birds of Scotland. For delivery in time for Christmas (subject to unexpected delays), we must receive your order at Waterston House by first thing on Thursday 9th December. After that date, deliveries will recommence on Thursday 6th January.

(added 6 Dec 2010)

RSPB climate change event in Glasgow

Become part of global art movement 350.org and put yourself in the picture about climate change!

"Branching out for climate change" is a multi-media event taking place at GMAC, Trongate 103/Fifth Floor, Glasgow, on Thursday 2nd December. Drop in between 6pm and 9pm.

RSPB and Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC) have teamed up to host a free evening of films, fascinating facts and freebies to coincide with the climate change talks in Cancun. There will be a guest speaker and stalls from organisations like RSPB, Zero Waste Scotland, Glasgow Bike Shed and the Glasgow Allotment Forum. Drop in to take part in our campaign video or become part of a unique photo mosaic and claim your free oak sapling!

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 28 Nov 2010)

SOC site finder

Site finder is a new online map to assist with bird recording. Use it to locate birdwatching sites by searching for a name, grid reference, or postcode, display the grid reference for any site, and plot the Scottish recording area boundaries.

Access site finder by clicking here, or via the Menu on the home page.

(added 28 Nov 2010)

revised Scottish List now online

This update of the Scottish List brings it into line with the latest BOU British List, in terms of (a) the English species names used, and (b) their taxonomic sequence. The revised list now shows the vernacular English names (eg White-billed Diver) familiar to British birdwatchers, alongside the standardised names (eg Yellow-billed Loon) recommended by the International Ornithological Congress (IOC). In addition, following a report by the BOURC's taxonomic subcommittee, there have been significant changes to the order of passerines in the list.

The full species and subspecies lists, together with an explanation of recent changes, can be viewed on the Scottish List page.

(added 20 Nov 2010)

wildlife art exhibition

Wildlife artists Tommy Daniels, Chris Lodge, Jenny Matthews, Darren Rees, and Barry Van Dusen all feature in the latest exhibition at Waterston House. Starting on Saturday 11th September and running until Wednesday 3rd November, the exhibition is open from 10am - 4pm on weekdays, 12 noon - 6pm at weekends until Sun 18th October, and 10am - 4pm at weekends from Saturday 24th October. Entry is free.

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 4 Sep 2010)

wildlife art exhibition

A new exhibition of wildlife art comes to Waterston House from Saturday 24 July. This time artwork by Paul Bartlett, D.I.M. Wallace, Lisa Hooper, Derek Robertson and Martin Ridleyon will be on show.

Running until Wednesday 8 September, the exhibition is open 7 days, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and 12 noon to 6pm at weekends.

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 10 Jul 2010)

book fair at Waterston House

The SOC's annual book fair is an all-weekend event this year, taking place on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August at Waterston House.

A wide range of new and second-hand books on ornithology and natural history will be on sale. In addition to the SOC's own stalls, specialist guest traders Garrick Books, Jay Books, Ken Mullins, and Shearwater Books will also be present.

The fair is open from 10am - 4pm on both days.

(updated 22 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)

wildlife art exhibition

Coming soon to Waterston House: an exhibition of wildlife art featuring works by Robert Greenhalf, Andrew Haslen, and David Koster.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 29 May until Wednesday 21 July. The gallery is open 7 days, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and 12 noon to 6pm at weekends.

Click the image to see the exhibition poster.

(added 7 May 2010)

additional research grants available

Due to a combination of unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances this year, some projects - partly funded via grants awarded from the Endowment Fund - have been shelved, temporarily we hope.

The awards have been returned to the Endowment Fund, so the Research & Surveys Committee has decided to make the money available in the normal way (and subject to the normal conditions) to fund approved amateur projects.

So, if you have a study which might benefit from an injection of capital, please submit an application. This should arrive at Waterston House by Friday 14th May 2010, so that it can be considered by the R & S Committee with a view to recommendation to Council for approval.

(added 26 Apr 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)

Nightjars of the World book

WILDGuides have announced a pre-publication offer on their forthcoming photographic guide Nightjars of the World. Place your order by 31 May to receive the 464-page hardback for only £39.95 inc p&p. WILDGuides will donate £2 to the SOC for each advance order received from Scotland. Click on the cover image to view a (2.3MB) PDF with full detals of the book and offer.

A not-for-profit organisation, WILDGuides will also be publishing The World's Rarest Birds, which replaces The Rare Birds Yearbook. As in previous years, proceeds will be donated to BirdLife International's Preventing Extinctions Programme. Details of the associated photography competition can be found on The World's Rarest... project website.

(added 17 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)

new Dumfries & Galloway Bird Report

The latest Dumfries and Galloway Bird Report covers the years 2007 and 2008. It's now available priced £8, and only £6 for SOC members.

See the Dumfries & Galloway recording area page for more information.

(added 7 Jan 2010)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

festival website

Darwin events (PDF file)

Royal Zoological Society events (PDF file)

(added 2 Apr 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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' 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)

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)