Dumfries

With the ongoing uncertainty on when face-to-face indoor meetings will be able to resume, due to Covid-19, SOC branches will continue with virtual meetings, via Zoom, until the end of 2021 when the situation will be reviewed. This is in order to ensure the safety of our members and speakers, and to allow us to plan an online programme of talks that we can be confident of delivering, regardless of where things might stand in relation to the pandemic.

An invitation with a link to the Zoom meeting will be sent out to the branch's members a few days before the event via email. To receive this notice, please ensure that you are on the appropriate mailing list held by HQ. If you are unsure, you can check your mailing list preferences by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or if you know you do not receive branch notices but would like to, you can sign up here (please note these will only be sent to SOC members).

For instructions on how to use Zoom, please click here.

Dumfries branch talks are normally held on Wednesdays, but while Covid-19 restrictions remain, the branch will hold its virtual meetings in conjunction with Borders and Stewartry branches.  The joint sessions will be hosted and managed by Dumfries and will be held on Thursdays.

When:

The following Thursdays at 7.30pm:

Thu 09 Sep          Ian Bainbridge – Moult in birds: What, why, how and when
Thu 14 Oct          Rick Goater – Charmed by birds: A life enhanced
Thu 11 Nov          Alasdair Lemon – Corn Buntings
Thu 09 Dec          Ben Darvill and Scott Mayson – BirdTrack and bird recording

Contact:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel: 07963 282818

Venue:

Once indoor meetings resume, they will be held at Dumfries Baptist Church Centre, Gillbrae Rd DG1 4EJ (click here for a map of the venue and surrounding area).

*UPDATE - following the new 6 person / 2 household rules in Scotland in place from 14 September 2020, all branch outings are on hold until further notice*

For guidance on how branches are managing outings in relation to Covid-19, please click here.

Sat 24th Oct 
River Nith around the Whitesands area, led by Edmund Fellowes. Meet at Dock Park at 9.00 am.

Sat 28 Nov
Castle Loch, Lochmaben, led by Drew  Davidson. Meet at the Lochfield Cottage car park at 9.30am (adjacent to the A709 just beyond the end of the Lochmaben 30mph zone, heading in the direction of Lockerbie).

Contact

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel: 07963 282818

Secretary, Treasurer and representative on SOC Council:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel: 07963 282818

Chair:

John Riddet 

Committee members:

Christine Dudgeon, Edmund Fellowes, Heather Stevenson, Robin Thomson and Andrew Turney

Dumfries and Galloway recorder:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Talks reminders:

Members who've consented to Local Branch news and events e-communications from SOC, are sent a reminder about forthcoming talks (with more information on the speaker and subject where possible), usually a week or so in advance of the meeting. If you don’t already receive these alerts and would like to, please make sure you've completed a Mailing List Consent Form to allow the Club to contact you. If you've already completed a form, check your junk/spam/clutter folders to make sure our emails aren't landing there. Still nothing? Contact Headquarters as we may not have a correct or up to date email address on file for you.

Nearby branches of the SOC

Find out more about Stewartry branch Visit the West Galloway branch page

Birdwatching in Dumfries

Click here for a guide of recommended sites to visit and to download a free, full-colour birdwatching guide produced by D&G Council Ranger Service. 

Bird recording in this area

Visit the Dumfries & Galloway recording area page for details of the latest bird report, back issues, species considered locally and for Local Recorder contact information.