Talks
We're delighted to share our Winter (September-April) 2026-27 meeting programme below. The talks will be held as a hybrid (online/in-person) programme. Although SOC members are affiliated to their nearest branch, they are also welcome to attend other meetings held across the branch network.
More information about each meeting will be emailed to members around a week in advance of the event. To receive these emails (including Zoom joining instructions and workshop booking information, where applicable), you must be signed up to the Branch News & Events - Talks & Workshops mailing list.
When:
Online talks are held at 7.30pm; in-person talks are held at 2.30pm apart from the September and April meetings, which take place at 7.30pm
Wednesday 16 September | Online
The Birds of Islay and Jura - Peter Roberts
Thursday 17 September | In person, 7:30PM
South Atlantic and Antarctica – Chris Rollie
Thursday 8 October | In person, 2:30PM
The Glasgow Peregrine Project – John Simpson
Wednesday 14 October | Online
Telling tales with tech: a glimpse into the secret lives of seabirds - Katherine Booth Jones
Thursday 12 November | In person, 2:30PM
East Renfrewshire’s Tree Sparrows: back from the brink – a community success story – Kevin Sinclair
Wednesday 18 November | Online
Talking with Birds - Dan Gardoqui
Thursday 3 December | In person, 2:30PM
First time birding in India – Sarah Wood
Wednesday 16 December | Online
Talk & speaker TBA
Wednesday 13 January | Online
Effects of climate change on biodiversity - Dr. Kirsty Park
Thursday 14 January | In person, 2:30PM
Birdwatching holidays: Lanzarote, Iceland & Fair Isle with Monica & Tony Riden, Iain Leach and Jeremy Brock
Thursday 11 February | In person, 2:30PM
Talk & speaker to be announced
Wednesday 17 February | Online
Understanding Scotland’s birds of prey - Mike Thornton
Thursday 11 March | In person, 2:30PM
Birds of Costa Rica – John Walker
Wednesday 17 March | Online
Using citizen science data to identify targets for conservation action in European landbirds - Catriona Morrison
Thursday 8 April | In person, 7:30PM
AGM & Dumfries & Galloway birds: Gains and losses – Gavin Chambers
Wednesday 14 April | Online
Monitoring Waterfowl: Technology, new developments, and the Moray Firth - Dr. Kate Thompson
Contact:
Joan Howie
01644 420 280
Venue for indoor meetings:
Village Hall, Balmaclellan DG7 3QE (two miles east of New Galloway - click here for a map of the surrounding area)
Outings
Due to our unpredictable Galloway weather members should always check the day before to confirm that the outing is taking place as planned. If an outing is cancelled it is always hoped to arrange an alternative date. Lifts can sometimes be possible if you let the Secretary know in good time. We would especially like to welcome beginners on these outings. See below for Secretary contact details.
Details of excursions will be sent to SOC Stewartry branch members by email, if you have signed up for these (or click here if you haven't already done so).
As Stewartry is such a large area it is always the aim to try to split the destinations of the Outings evenly between the west and the east of the region. No Outings are planned for July and August because in past years members have either been on holiday or entertaining their family but if any member would like an Outing to somewhere special in July or August please get in touch - and the same applies to November and December.
When:
Should the weather outlook be bad for the fixed date the Outing would then be moved to the next day. If this too should be impossible the Outing would then be cancelled . However should a number of members be keen to go to a venue it should be possible to fix another date.
Contact:
Joan Howie on 01644 420 280 or send Joan an email
Branch Committee
Secretary/Joint Treasurer:
Joan Howie, The Wilderness, High Street, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, DG7 3RL, tel 01644 420280
Chair and representative of the branch on SOC Council:
Paul Tarling
Vice-chair:
(Position vacant)
Joint Treasurer:
Peter Swan
Committee members:
Bob Smith, Val Smith and Tony Riden
Dumfries and Galloway recorder:
Gavin Chambers and Alyn Chambers, dgrecorder@gmail.com
Other Information
Talks and outings 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. A similar reminder service operates for outings. 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.
Birdwatching in Dumfries and Galloway:
Click here for a list of recommended sites to visit and to download a free, full-colour birdwatching guide produced by D&G Council Ranger Service.
Bird recording in Stewartry:
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.
