The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
@scottishbirding.bsky.social
The SOC is Scotland's Bird Club. We bring together like-minded individuals with a passion for birds and nature, through a programme of talks, outings and via our renowned journal, 'Scottish Birds'.
www.the-soc.org.uk
www.the-soc.org.uk
SOC Highland Branch are giving 15 Highland-based young birdwatchers the opportunity to attend the SOC/ @btoscotland.bsky.social Spring Conference on Sat 14 March '26 for just £10! Places are limited & will be allocated through an application process. Application criteria applies tinyurl.com/4cwscusk
January 20, 2026 at 4:38 PM
SOC Highland Branch are giving 15 Highland-based young birdwatchers the opportunity to attend the SOC/ @btoscotland.bsky.social Spring Conference on Sat 14 March '26 for just £10! Places are limited & will be allocated through an application process. Application criteria applies tinyurl.com/4cwscusk
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
We still have key vacant sites available in Orkney for the International Swan Census (ISC) this weekend (17th-18th January 2026).🦢
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@stevedudley.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@stevedudley.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
January 13, 2026 at 4:36 PM
We still have key vacant sites available in Orkney for the International Swan Census (ISC) this weekend (17th-18th January 2026).🦢
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@stevedudley.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@stevedudley.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
We still have key vacant sites available in Shetland for the International Swan Census (ISC) this weekend (17th-18th January 2026).🦢
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
January 13, 2026 at 4:52 PM
We still have key vacant sites available in Shetland for the International Swan Census (ISC) this weekend (17th-18th January 2026).🦢
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
To request a site, please visit: app.bto.org/gsmp/public/...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social #BirdingScotland
SBRC Online Conference
24-26th February 19:00-21:15
Taking place over three consecutive evenings, the conference is open to all & free to attend. Attendees can look forward to three talks each night from an exciting line-up of speakers at the cutting edge of rare birds & their identification.
24-26th February 19:00-21:15
Taking place over three consecutive evenings, the conference is open to all & free to attend. Attendees can look forward to three talks each night from an exciting line-up of speakers at the cutting edge of rare birds & their identification.
January 16, 2026 at 4:19 PM
SBRC Online Conference
24-26th February 19:00-21:15
Taking place over three consecutive evenings, the conference is open to all & free to attend. Attendees can look forward to three talks each night from an exciting line-up of speakers at the cutting edge of rare birds & their identification.
24-26th February 19:00-21:15
Taking place over three consecutive evenings, the conference is open to all & free to attend. Attendees can look forward to three talks each night from an exciting line-up of speakers at the cutting edge of rare birds & their identification.
Only two weeks left to apply for a Research and Survey Grant ahead of the 31st January deadline.
The SOC Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
For more details and to apply, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
The SOC Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
For more details and to apply, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
January 16, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Only two weeks left to apply for a Research and Survey Grant ahead of the 31st January deadline.
The SOC Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
For more details and to apply, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
The SOC Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
For more details and to apply, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
Looking for a new birding challenge for 2026? Why not take up patch birding and participate in Patchwork Challenge?
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Patchwork Challenge
Ever wondered about taking up patch birding or even Patchwork Challenge? Patchwork Challenge is a fun birding competition, focused on engaging and understanding your local birding patch, to see how ma...
www.the-soc.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Looking for a new birding challenge for 2026? Why not take up patch birding and participate in Patchwork Challenge?
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
Find out more about this fun birding competition in our guest blog from @patchbirding.bsky.social: www.the-soc.org.uk/blogs/blog/p...
#PatchBirding #PWC2026 #LowCarbonBirding
New Local Bird Recorder
Ian Ward has taken on the role of Outer Hebrides Bird Recorder. Ian is a keen lifelong birder now based in Ness at the northern tip of Lewis.
For more information about bird recording in the Outer Hebrides and to contact Ian, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Ian Ward has taken on the role of Outer Hebrides Bird Recorder. Ian is a keen lifelong birder now based in Ness at the northern tip of Lewis.
For more information about bird recording in the Outer Hebrides and to contact Ian, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
December 19, 2025 at 1:27 PM
New Local Bird Recorder
Ian Ward has taken on the role of Outer Hebrides Bird Recorder. Ian is a keen lifelong birder now based in Ness at the northern tip of Lewis.
For more information about bird recording in the Outer Hebrides and to contact Ian, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Ian Ward has taken on the role of Outer Hebrides Bird Recorder. Ian is a keen lifelong birder now based in Ness at the northern tip of Lewis.
For more information about bird recording in the Outer Hebrides and to contact Ian, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so how about something for free?
The @scottishbirding.bsky.social and Scottish Birds Records Committee are hosting a FREE online conference over the evenings of February 24th to the 26th. Three talks per night and some real belters among them.
The @scottishbirding.bsky.social and Scottish Birds Records Committee are hosting a FREE online conference over the evenings of February 24th to the 26th. Three talks per night and some real belters among them.
December 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so how about something for free?
The @scottishbirding.bsky.social and Scottish Birds Records Committee are hosting a FREE online conference over the evenings of February 24th to the 26th. Three talks per night and some real belters among them.
The @scottishbirding.bsky.social and Scottish Birds Records Committee are hosting a FREE online conference over the evenings of February 24th to the 26th. Three talks per night and some real belters among them.
Research and Survey Grant applications
The Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
The deadline to submit your application is 31st January.
For more details and to apply, please visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
The Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
The deadline to submit your application is 31st January.
For more details and to apply, please visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
December 15, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Research and Survey Grant applications
The Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
The deadline to submit your application is 31st January.
For more details and to apply, please visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
The Endowment Fund supports amateur research projects which further the knowledge of the birds of Scotland.
The deadline to submit your application is 31st January.
For more details and to apply, please visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/resear...
#ornithology
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
The new update to the BirdTrack app introduces several features aimed at helping us collect accurate bird data and alert you to those slip of the finger data entry errors #ukbirding
December 10, 2025 at 7:46 PM
The new update to the BirdTrack app introduces several features aimed at helping us collect accurate bird data and alert you to those slip of the finger data entry errors #ukbirding
LATE OPENING TOMORROW FOR JÓLABÓKAFLÓD
Sat 6 Dec | 5pm - 8pm | Free event | No Booking
Late-night opening at Waterston House, Aberlady, to embrace the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflód, the giving of books at Christmas. We'll be serving hot chocolate & offering the latest nature-books to buy. 🎁🎄
Sat 6 Dec | 5pm - 8pm | Free event | No Booking
Late-night opening at Waterston House, Aberlady, to embrace the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflód, the giving of books at Christmas. We'll be serving hot chocolate & offering the latest nature-books to buy. 🎁🎄
December 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM
LATE OPENING TOMORROW FOR JÓLABÓKAFLÓD
Sat 6 Dec | 5pm - 8pm | Free event | No Booking
Late-night opening at Waterston House, Aberlady, to embrace the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflód, the giving of books at Christmas. We'll be serving hot chocolate & offering the latest nature-books to buy. 🎁🎄
Sat 6 Dec | 5pm - 8pm | Free event | No Booking
Late-night opening at Waterston House, Aberlady, to embrace the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflód, the giving of books at Christmas. We'll be serving hot chocolate & offering the latest nature-books to buy. 🎁🎄
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
🚨Bookings for the 2026 Scottish Birdwatchers' Conference are now live! 🚨
Head over to the SOC's website to get yourself booked on. It's a great programme of events- see you there! For more info. and to book your place go here: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/... #BirdingScotland
Head over to the SOC's website to get yourself booked on. It's a great programme of events- see you there! For more info. and to book your place go here: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/... #BirdingScotland
Scottish Birdwatchers' Conference 2026
The SOC
www.the-soc.org.uk
December 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨Bookings for the 2026 Scottish Birdwatchers' Conference are now live! 🚨
Head over to the SOC's website to get yourself booked on. It's a great programme of events- see you there! For more info. and to book your place go here: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/... #BirdingScotland
Head over to the SOC's website to get yourself booked on. It's a great programme of events- see you there! For more info. and to book your place go here: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/... #BirdingScotland
Scottish Birdwatchers' Conference 2026
Join us & @btoscotland.bsky.social for next year's Spring Conference in Dundee on Saturday 14 March.
View the full programme of talks on 'The Birds of Tayside: conservation, migration and habitats' and book your place at www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
Join us & @btoscotland.bsky.social for next year's Spring Conference in Dundee on Saturday 14 March.
View the full programme of talks on 'The Birds of Tayside: conservation, migration and habitats' and book your place at www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
December 3, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Scottish Birdwatchers' Conference 2026
Join us & @btoscotland.bsky.social for next year's Spring Conference in Dundee on Saturday 14 March.
View the full programme of talks on 'The Birds of Tayside: conservation, migration and habitats' and book your place at www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
Join us & @btoscotland.bsky.social for next year's Spring Conference in Dundee on Saturday 14 March.
View the full programme of talks on 'The Birds of Tayside: conservation, migration and habitats' and book your place at www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
November 4, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
OPTICS DEMO EVENT TOMORROW
Saturday 8th November | 10:30am - 3pm | Free event | No Booking
We’re hosting a Viking Optical demo at our HQ #WaterstonHouse in Aberlady! This is a fantastic chance to try out optics in field conditions and get advice from experts: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Saturday 8th November | 10:30am - 3pm | Free event | No Booking
We’re hosting a Viking Optical demo at our HQ #WaterstonHouse in Aberlady! This is a fantastic chance to try out optics in field conditions and get advice from experts: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
November 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM
OPTICS DEMO EVENT TOMORROW
Saturday 8th November | 10:30am - 3pm | Free event | No Booking
We’re hosting a Viking Optical demo at our HQ #WaterstonHouse in Aberlady! This is a fantastic chance to try out optics in field conditions and get advice from experts: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Saturday 8th November | 10:30am - 3pm | Free event | No Booking
We’re hosting a Viking Optical demo at our HQ #WaterstonHouse in Aberlady! This is a fantastic chance to try out optics in field conditions and get advice from experts: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️
📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
October 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️
📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
Last chance to book your place at SOC's Conference! This year's event centres around the effect of climate change on birds & looks at how these changes can be managed as positively as possible. There'll be a chance to socialise, network & enjoy a first-class line-up of speakers! tinyurl.com/2s43k3dj
October 30, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Last chance to book your place at SOC's Conference! This year's event centres around the effect of climate change on birds & looks at how these changes can be managed as positively as possible. There'll be a chance to socialise, network & enjoy a first-class line-up of speakers! tinyurl.com/2s43k3dj
October is a good time to look out for skeins of Barnacle Geese. These small, black, white and silver geese have a distinctive ‘barking dog’ like call. For more birds to look out for this autumn, check out our Birding Calendar: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/birdin...
October 17, 2025 at 2:27 PM
October is a good time to look out for skeins of Barnacle Geese. These small, black, white and silver geese have a distinctive ‘barking dog’ like call. For more birds to look out for this autumn, check out our Birding Calendar: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/birdin...
BIOACOUSTICS EVENT AT WATERSTON HOUSE, SOC HQ
2 November 2025 | 13:30- 15:30 | Booking essential | Charge applies
Curious about bioacoustic bird surveying? Come along to share field experiences, hear updates, and explore how to get involved in Scotland’s growing bioacoustics network.
2 November 2025 | 13:30- 15:30 | Booking essential | Charge applies
Curious about bioacoustic bird surveying? Come along to share field experiences, hear updates, and explore how to get involved in Scotland’s growing bioacoustics network.
October 10, 2025 at 12:04 PM
BIOACOUSTICS EVENT AT WATERSTON HOUSE, SOC HQ
2 November 2025 | 13:30- 15:30 | Booking essential | Charge applies
Curious about bioacoustic bird surveying? Come along to share field experiences, hear updates, and explore how to get involved in Scotland’s growing bioacoustics network.
2 November 2025 | 13:30- 15:30 | Booking essential | Charge applies
Curious about bioacoustic bird surveying? Come along to share field experiences, hear updates, and explore how to get involved in Scotland’s growing bioacoustics network.
Were looking forward to working closely with the BTO and other partners on Bird Atlas 2027-31, and to supporting the vital role that Scotland’s birdwatching community will play in its success.
Exciting news! We’re planning the upcoming Bird Atlas 2027-31, and have met with @birdwatchireland.bsky.social @scottishbirding.bsky.social and @birdsinwales.bsky.social to discuss how we can work together on what we hope will be the most productive Atlas yet. #Ornithology #UKBirding
October 6, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Were looking forward to working closely with the BTO and other partners on Bird Atlas 2027-31, and to supporting the vital role that Scotland’s birdwatching community will play in its success.
Clyde SOC are helping young birders in Clyde-who face financial barriers to attending Conference-to participate in the 2025 event on 22 Nov @ Kilmardinny House. Clyde are subsidising 20 conf. places, allowing successful applicants to pay £10. Application process & criteria apply tinyurl.com/bdd5fn7d
October 2, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Clyde SOC are helping young birders in Clyde-who face financial barriers to attending Conference-to participate in the 2025 event on 22 Nov @ Kilmardinny House. Clyde are subsidising 20 conf. places, allowing successful applicants to pay £10. Application process & criteria apply tinyurl.com/bdd5fn7d
Booking is now open for the SOC Annual Conference!
Open to SOC members and non-members alike, this year's theme is Scotland for birds: opportunities for positive change.
The Conference will be held in Bearsden on 22 November. For more info and to book, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
Open to SOC members and non-members alike, this year's theme is Scotland for birds: opportunities for positive change.
The Conference will be held in Bearsden on 22 November. For more info and to book, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
September 30, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Booking is now open for the SOC Annual Conference!
Open to SOC members and non-members alike, this year's theme is Scotland for birds: opportunities for positive change.
The Conference will be held in Bearsden on 22 November. For more info and to book, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
Open to SOC members and non-members alike, this year's theme is Scotland for birds: opportunities for positive change.
The Conference will be held in Bearsden on 22 November. For more info and to book, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/event/...
Waterston House, SOC HQ, is about to celebrate its 20th birthday! To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a host of free activities at the centre on Sat 4 Oct (10am - 4pm), including bird walks, talks, childrens activities, live music & more! No need to book. Visit tinyurl.com/w4hb9hhy for info!
September 17, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Waterston House, SOC HQ, is about to celebrate its 20th birthday! To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a host of free activities at the centre on Sat 4 Oct (10am - 4pm), including bird walks, talks, childrens activities, live music & more! No need to book. Visit tinyurl.com/w4hb9hhy for info!
SOC Members' Talk - Wednesday 17th September at 7:30pm
All of our members should have received details of the upcoming online talk this Wednesday evening, where we will be joined by Alasdair Reid and John Simpson who will take us through their local branch projects on Marsh Tits and Peregrines.
All of our members should have received details of the upcoming online talk this Wednesday evening, where we will be joined by Alasdair Reid and John Simpson who will take us through their local branch projects on Marsh Tits and Peregrines.
September 16, 2025 at 4:07 PM
SOC Members' Talk - Wednesday 17th September at 7:30pm
All of our members should have received details of the upcoming online talk this Wednesday evening, where we will be joined by Alasdair Reid and John Simpson who will take us through their local branch projects on Marsh Tits and Peregrines.
All of our members should have received details of the upcoming online talk this Wednesday evening, where we will be joined by Alasdair Reid and John Simpson who will take us through their local branch projects on Marsh Tits and Peregrines.
The recently published Lothian Bird Report 2022 and Isle of May Bird Observatory Bird Observatory Annual Report 2023 are now in stock at Waterston House.
#BirdingLothian
#BirdingLothian
August 15, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The recently published Lothian Bird Report 2022 and Isle of May Bird Observatory Bird Observatory Annual Report 2023 are now in stock at Waterston House.
#BirdingLothian
#BirdingLothian