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
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
Terns are finishing up their busy breeding season and are thinking about getting on the move. Now is a good time to look out for large roosts and local birds may be joined by those from further afield. A careful scan may reveal ringed birds which can be reported to BTO at app.bto.org/euring/lang/...
August 8, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Terns are finishing up their busy breeding season and are thinking about getting on the move. Now is a good time to look out for large roosts and local birds may be joined by those from further afield. A careful scan may reveal ringed birds which can be reported to BTO at app.bto.org/euring/lang/...
It's the 🦋 #BigButterflyCount 🦋 (18 July-10 August)
Come & join us, see what you can discover in our wildlife friendly garden at #WaterstonHouse. We've got everything you need to complete a survey, it takes just 15 minutes & is fun for all the family!
www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Come & join us, see what you can discover in our wildlife friendly garden at #WaterstonHouse. We've got everything you need to complete a survey, it takes just 15 minutes & is fun for all the family!
www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
July 27, 2025 at 1:47 PM
It's the 🦋 #BigButterflyCount 🦋 (18 July-10 August)
Come & join us, see what you can discover in our wildlife friendly garden at #WaterstonHouse. We've got everything you need to complete a survey, it takes just 15 minutes & is fun for all the family!
www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Come & join us, see what you can discover in our wildlife friendly garden at #WaterstonHouse. We've got everything you need to complete a survey, it takes just 15 minutes & is fun for all the family!
www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
New research on Edinburgh's urban Sparrowhawks has been published in Bird Study. Lead by Mike Thornton, SOC representative on Scottish Raptor Monitoring Group, the study looks at changes to Sparrowhawk diet and links to clutch size.
doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2025.2513542
#RaptorResearch #ornithology
doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2025.2513542
#RaptorResearch #ornithology
July 18, 2025 at 3:17 PM
New research on Edinburgh's urban Sparrowhawks has been published in Bird Study. Lead by Mike Thornton, SOC representative on Scottish Raptor Monitoring Group, the study looks at changes to Sparrowhawk diet and links to clutch size.
doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2025.2513542
#RaptorResearch #ornithology
doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2025.2513542
#RaptorResearch #ornithology
New Local Bird Recorder
Alex Penn has taken on the role of Fair Isle Bird Recorder. Alex is the Head of Ornithology at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social and a keen birder and A-permit bird ringer.
For more information about bird recording in Fair Isle, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Alex Penn has taken on the role of Fair Isle Bird Recorder. Alex is the Head of Ornithology at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social and a keen birder and A-permit bird ringer.
For more information about bird recording in Fair Isle, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Fair Isle
The SOC
www.the-soc.org.uk
July 16, 2025 at 2:22 PM
New Local Bird Recorder
Alex Penn has taken on the role of Fair Isle Bird Recorder. Alex is the Head of Ornithology at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social and a keen birder and A-permit bird ringer.
For more information about bird recording in Fair Isle, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Alex Penn has taken on the role of Fair Isle Bird Recorder. Alex is the Head of Ornithology at @fairislebirdobs.bsky.social and a keen birder and A-permit bird ringer.
For more information about bird recording in Fair Isle, visit: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/local-...
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
Surveying for rare breeding birds isn’t always successful, but is always worthwhile! RBBP member Ian Francis has been looking for the (increasingly?) elusive Dotterel… #birds #UKbirding youtu.be/FGa1ZKQbOKs?...
Surveying for Dotterel… and the value of null data!
YouTube video by Rare Breeding Birds Panel
youtu.be
July 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Surveying for rare breeding birds isn’t always successful, but is always worthwhile! RBBP member Ian Francis has been looking for the (increasingly?) elusive Dotterel… #birds #UKbirding youtu.be/FGa1ZKQbOKs?...
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
Please continue to report all sightings of dead birds for possible testing for avian influenza:
📌In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep...
📌In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae...
📌In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report
📌In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep...
📌In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae...
📌In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report
Report dead wild birds
How to report dead wild birds.
www.gov.uk
June 27, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Please continue to report all sightings of dead birds for possible testing for avian influenza:
📌In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep...
📌In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae...
📌In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report
📌In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep...
📌In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae...
📌In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
The Orkney Bird Report 2024 is out!
144 pages inc accounts for all species recorded in 2024, Ringing report, @northronbirdobs.bsky.social report, Meteorological report and finders accounts of county 1st Black-faced Bunting and 2nd American Robin. Price £12. DM me for sales info. #OrkneyBirding
144 pages inc accounts for all species recorded in 2024, Ringing report, @northronbirdobs.bsky.social report, Meteorological report and finders accounts of county 1st Black-faced Bunting and 2nd American Robin. Price £12. DM me for sales info. #OrkneyBirding
June 23, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The Orkney Bird Report 2024 is out!
144 pages inc accounts for all species recorded in 2024, Ringing report, @northronbirdobs.bsky.social report, Meteorological report and finders accounts of county 1st Black-faced Bunting and 2nd American Robin. Price £12. DM me for sales info. #OrkneyBirding
144 pages inc accounts for all species recorded in 2024, Ringing report, @northronbirdobs.bsky.social report, Meteorological report and finders accounts of county 1st Black-faced Bunting and 2nd American Robin. Price £12. DM me for sales info. #OrkneyBirding
JOB OPPORTUNITY | ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
We're looking for an Assistant Development Officer to enhance the Club’s delivery of key programmes and provide vital support to our Development Manager, across several cross-cutting areas of activity. Full vacancy details here: //tinyurl.com/3jrd5t5r
We're looking for an Assistant Development Officer to enhance the Club’s delivery of key programmes and provide vital support to our Development Manager, across several cross-cutting areas of activity. Full vacancy details here: //tinyurl.com/3jrd5t5r
June 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
JOB OPPORTUNITY | ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
We're looking for an Assistant Development Officer to enhance the Club’s delivery of key programmes and provide vital support to our Development Manager, across several cross-cutting areas of activity. Full vacancy details here: //tinyurl.com/3jrd5t5r
We're looking for an Assistant Development Officer to enhance the Club’s delivery of key programmes and provide vital support to our Development Manager, across several cross-cutting areas of activity. Full vacancy details here: //tinyurl.com/3jrd5t5r
Marsh Tits are now only found in 1 known area of Scotland & are one of our rarest breeding birds at 3 known pairs. The Scottish Marsh Tit Project is looking for volunteers to assist in the species' conservation. Join an online info evening on 2 July to find out more tinyurl.com/yswhtuxz #ornithology
June 13, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Marsh Tits are now only found in 1 known area of Scotland & are one of our rarest breeding birds at 3 known pairs. The Scottish Marsh Tit Project is looking for volunteers to assist in the species' conservation. Join an online info evening on 2 July to find out more tinyurl.com/yswhtuxz #ornithology
Family mothing event: Waterston House is mecca for moths, with >200 species recorded there. Take a look in the moth traps on Tues 1 July, 9-11am, to see what its lights have brought in. Hosted by
@eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social
Countryside Rangers. Tickets £4.95 p/p. Book at tinyurl.com/32kjw76u
@eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social
Countryside Rangers. Tickets £4.95 p/p. Book at tinyurl.com/32kjw76u
June 12, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Family mothing event: Waterston House is mecca for moths, with >200 species recorded there. Take a look in the moth traps on Tues 1 July, 9-11am, to see what its lights have brought in. Hosted by
@eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social
Countryside Rangers. Tickets £4.95 p/p. Book at tinyurl.com/32kjw76u
@eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social
Countryside Rangers. Tickets £4.95 p/p. Book at tinyurl.com/32kjw76u
Reposted by The Scottish Ornithologists' Club
#Nightjars! Don't you just love 'em? An exceptional year in NE Scotland. Another pr pinned down last night w/ Paul Baxter & another bird at a new site
www.bto.org/get-involved...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social @btoscotland.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #birdingscotland @greg-conway.bsky.social
www.bto.org/get-involved...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social @btoscotland.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #birdingscotland @greg-conway.bsky.social
June 11, 2025 at 4:59 PM
#Nightjars! Don't you just love 'em? An exceptional year in NE Scotland. Another pr pinned down last night w/ Paul Baxter & another bird at a new site
www.bto.org/get-involved...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social @btoscotland.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #birdingscotland @greg-conway.bsky.social
www.bto.org/get-involved...
@scottishbirding.bsky.social @btoscotland.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #birdingscotland @greg-conway.bsky.social
OPTICS DEMO EVENT NEXT MONTH
Thursday 19th June | 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....
Thursday 19th June | 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....
June 8, 2025 at 11:50 AM
OPTICS DEMO EVENT NEXT MONTH
Thursday 19th June | 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....
Thursday 19th June | 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....
As Volunteer Week continues (2nd-8th June), today we're shining a light on the dedicated individuals who serve on our Council & Board of Trustees.
A huge thank you to all our volunteer office bearers & recorders— your contributions make a lasting impact.
#VolunteerWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #TeamSOC
A huge thank you to all our volunteer office bearers & recorders— your contributions make a lasting impact.
#VolunteerWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #TeamSOC
June 6, 2025 at 12:47 PM
As Volunteer Week continues (2nd-8th June), today we're shining a light on the dedicated individuals who serve on our Council & Board of Trustees.
A huge thank you to all our volunteer office bearers & recorders— your contributions make a lasting impact.
#VolunteerWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #TeamSOC
A huge thank you to all our volunteer office bearers & recorders— your contributions make a lasting impact.
#VolunteerWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #TeamSOC