Talks
We're delighted to share details of the meetings season (September 2025 - April 2026) for members to enjoy. This year’s programme will be held as an online programme.
More information about each talk will be emailed to members around a week in advance of the event. To receive these emails (including Zoom joining instructions), you must be signed up to the Branch News & Events - Talks & Workshops mailing list. Remember that SOC members are welcome to attend meetings being held across the Club’s branches. Just be sure to check in with the relevant local group contact in advance.
When:
7.30pm
Wednesday 17 September (online)
Alasdair Reid, John Simpson & speaker TBA – SOC Branch Survey Work
Wednesday 15 October (online)
Dr. Stephen Moss – Britain’s Favourite Birds
Wednesday 19 November (online)
Douglas Russell – Interesting Bird Nests & Eggs – writing a popular book on 250 years of avian architecture
Wednesday 10 December (online)
Laurie Campbell – Photographing birds: more than just the species
Wednesday 21 January (online)
Adam Nicolson – Birds in the Hebrides and a Sussex wood; Q & A
Wednesday 18 February (online)
Liz Myhill – Evocative encounters with the natural world; a talk & demonstration
Wednesday 18 March (online)
Prof. Tim Birkhead – The Most Perfect Thing; Q & A
Wednesday 15 April (online)
Prof. Claire Spottiswoode – Show me the honey: communication between people and wild birds in Africa
Contact:
Geoff Sheppard
01776 870 685
Outings
Please contact Geoff and Jean Sheppard by phone on 01776 870685, or by email to let them know that you plan to attend.
When:
Further outings will be announced in due course.
Contact:
Geoff Sheppard
Tel: 01776 870 685, email
Branch Committee
Secretary, Treasurer & representative of the branch on SOC Council:
Geoff Sheppard, 01776 870685
Chair:
David McGhie
Vice-chair:
Alan Johnstone
Committee members:
Sandra Alder, Jean Sheppard
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.
What to See This Month
To see the latest issues of the What to See This Month newsletter, click here.
Nearby branches of the SOC
Find out more about SOC Stewarty branch
Find out more about SOC Dumfries branch
Birdwatching in Dumfries and Galloway
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. Or pick up your copy of the guide at evening meetings, for a suggested donation of 50p, while stocks last.
Places To Enjoy Wildlife in Dumfries & Galloway – a practical viewing guide. Published by RSPB and available for free download.
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.
