A mid-March visit to the woodlands and surrounding habitats at Loch Leven will provide a good opportunity to learn the basics of bird identification in the field and is aimed at beginners or those wishing to improve. Join us to explore the woodland and wetlands of Loch Leven and get to grips with the identification of common woodland and wetland species.

The pace of the walk, which lasts around three hours, is fairly relaxed and the ambience is informal, with discussion and questions encouraged. The aim is to provide an enjoyable introduction to birds, bird identification and bird watching.

The walk will be led by our friendly expert, Scott Paterson, who has many years' experience as trainer in the field of bird identification skills. Once booked, you will automatically receive a confirmation email and Scott will be in touch a few days before the walk to confirm the meeting arrangements. Please check your email spam folder if you haven't received the information two days before the walk.

Please ensure that you come prepared for all weathers and have warm, waterproof clothing. You will also need sturdy walking boots or shoes, or wellies, although we will not be doing any serious hiking but will be walking on paths that may be rough and/or muddy. If you have binoculars, please bring them. Otherwise, we can arrange a loan pair, just let us know at the time of booking.

Low carbon birding
We aim to choose locations that can be reached by public transport. Full directions to the meeting point for the walks, including bus and train information, are provided by email a few days in advance of each outing.

Data Protection
Any personal details you provide when booking will be stored securely by the SOC and shared only with the walks organiser, Scott Paterson, for the purpose of administering your participation on the course.

Cancellations policy
SOC reserves the right to cancel or postpone any of its scheduled guided walks due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient bookings. Where participants are unable to join a re-scheduled walk, a full refund will be given. In the event that a participant cancels their booking, we will do our best to fill the place in order to be able to issue a full refund (minus a cancellation fee of £1.50).

Course fully booked? Join our waiting list
If this particular course is fully booked and you would like to join our Reserve List in case we receive any cancellations, please contact us. Or interested in the course but can’t make this date or the location doesn't suit? Please see our full events listings for walks elsewhere, or join our guided walks mailing list to be notified about upcoming courses.

Bespoke group bookings
If you would like to discuss a private guided walk, whether at one of our usual birdwatching hotspots or a location of your choice (e.g. your local patch), please contact us.

Filter


25 September 2024 - 10 November 2024

HIGHLANDS TO ISLANDS

This joint exhibition presents new work by three established artists well known to the SOC....
View Now
18 October 2024

BIRD ID WALK: COASTAL BIRD IDENTIFICATION, ARDMORE POINT

This walk, aimed at beginners or improvers, will focus on the identification of coastal species...
View Now
25 October 2024

BIRD ID WALK: COASTAL BIRD IDENTIFICATION, RIVERSIDE NATURE PARK, DUNDEE

This walk, aimed at beginners or improvers, will focus on the identification of coastal species...
View Now
27 October 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: FARMLAND AND REEDBED BIRD IDENTIFICATION, TAY REEDBEDS

The Tay Reedbeds are the largest reedbed in UK and home to some special birds. ...
View Now
30 October 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: COASTAL BIRD IDENTIFICATION, CRAMOND

This shorter walk, aimed at beginners or improvers, will focus on the identification of coastal...
View Now
31 October 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: WADER AND WILDFOWL IDENTIFICATION, KENNEIL LAGOONS

The lagoons at Kinneil provide an excellent opportunity to see a good variety of waders...
View Now
7 November 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: WINTER BIRD IDENTIFICATION, LINLITHGOW LOCH

A visit to Linlithgow Loch provides an opportunity to learn the basics of wildfowl and...
View Now
9 November 2024

BINOCULARS AND TELESCOPE DEMONSTRATION

In addition to the wide range of optical equipment available for sale all year round at Waterston...
View Now
10 November 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: WILDFOWL IDENTIFICATION, LOCH LEVEN

Early winter birdwatching at Loch Leven, in Perth & Kinross, can provide an excellent opportunity...
View Now
13 November 2024 - 12 January 2025

LOOKING FOR THE SEASONS

In 1959-60 Ladybird books published the classic series “What to look for in… Spring, Summer,...
View Now
14 November 2024

BIRD ID WALK: FARMLAND AND REEDBED BIRD IDENTIFICATION, TAY REEDBEDS, ERROL

The Tay Reedbeds are the largest reedbed in UK and home to some special birds. ...
View Now
15 November 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: COASTAL BIRD IDENTIFICATION, CRAMOND

This shorter walk, aimed at beginners or improvers, will focus on the identification of coastal...
View Now
28 November 2024
SOLD OUT

BIRD ID WALK: WINTER BIRD IDENTIFICATION, BLACKNESS

Early winter is a great time to learn the basics of bird identification and birdwatching...
View Now
23 November 2024 - 24 November 2024

SOC ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND AGM

We are looking forward to returning to the Atholl Palace Hotel for this year’s conference...
View Now