Birdline Scotland

Birdline Scotland logo Birdline Scotland provides the most comprehensive and up-to-the-minute information on bird sightings in Scotland. It is run by Angus Murray in co-operation with the SOC.

To hear the regularly updated recorded message, simply phone:

09068-700234

Please follow specific instructions when given, e.g. access arrangements, etc.

Note that this is a Premium Rate number, only available in the UK and that calls are charged at 60p per minute.

The success of Birdline Scotland relies on birdwatchers phoning in their sightings of birds. Click here for a list of species which Birdline Scotland is interested in. These can be phoned in anytime on the 24-hour Sightings Hotline answer-machine number:

01292-611994

Calls to this number are charged at standard rates. Please leave your name and phone number as part of the message. If you think special instructions should be broadcast (e.g. grid reference, parking, access etc), please make these clear.

Angus can also be contacted on his Enquiries phone number 01292-611993 or by email.

E-mails will be checked periodically, but not as regularly as the Hotline answer-phone, which should be used for all urgent messages.

Each call to the Sightings Hotline earns you one 'credit'. If you reach 60 'credits' in a year you will be eligable for a free year's membership to the SOC (or Birding World magazine).

Note that sightings phoned or e-mailed into Birdline Scotland will normally be forwarded to the relevant Local Recorder. But please note that this is not intended as a substitute to the normal submission of records direct to the Recorders, rather as a means of keeping them up-to-date and ensuring that important records are not lost.

Birdline Scotland will not publicise records if it knows that:

  1. The bird(s) are on private land, and no arrangements have been made for visiting.
  2. There is a risk that rare/uncommon breeding birds could potentially be disturbed.
  3. An unacceptable risk to the welfare of the bird(s) can be foreseen.

Birdline Scotland and the SOC fully endorce the Birdwatchers' Code of Conduct.

All records of rare birds are subject to acceptance by the relevant rarities committee.

Arrival dates of summer migrants

This report is compiled annually by Birdline Scotland. Select a year from the list below.

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004