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
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...
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.
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
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
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
Waterston House is a mecca for moths, with over 200 species recorded there. Take a look in the moth traps on 10 June, 9-11am to see what the trap's lights have brought in. Ages +16. Hosted by @eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social Countryside Rangers. Tickets: £8.40 each. To book visit tinyurl.com/3pmz8ztz
May 30, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Waterston House is a mecca for moths, with over 200 species recorded there. Take a look in the moth traps on 10 June, 9-11am to see what the trap's lights have brought in. Ages +16. Hosted by @eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social Countryside Rangers. Tickets: £8.40 each. To book visit tinyurl.com/3pmz8ztz
🎼‘OFF THE WING’ MUSIC RECITAL #WaterstonHouse 🎼
Tomorrow Sat. 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Tomorrow Sat. 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
May 30, 2025 at 12:07 PM
🎼‘OFF THE WING’ MUSIC RECITAL #WaterstonHouse 🎼
Tomorrow Sat. 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
Tomorrow Sat. 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin...
It was a pleasure to join the Glasgow Peregrine Watch earlier this week for the ringing of the two chicks. It was great to see and speak to so many people about the city's Peregrine pair.
You can find out more about the project on the Clyde Branch website: www.birdsinclyde.scot/peregrines.h...
You can find out more about the project on the Clyde Branch website: www.birdsinclyde.scot/peregrines.h...
May 23, 2025 at 4:09 PM
It was a pleasure to join the Glasgow Peregrine Watch earlier this week for the ringing of the two chicks. It was great to see and speak to so many people about the city's Peregrine pair.
You can find out more about the project on the Clyde Branch website: www.birdsinclyde.scot/peregrines.h...
You can find out more about the project on the Clyde Branch website: www.birdsinclyde.scot/peregrines.h...
🎼‘OFF THE WING’ MUSIC RECITAL AT #WaterstonHouse 🎼
Saturday 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin....
Saturday 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin....
May 18, 2025 at 10:38 AM
🎼‘OFF THE WING’ MUSIC RECITAL AT #WaterstonHouse 🎼
Saturday 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin....
Saturday 31st May | 11am – 12:30pm | Free event | No Booking
Join us for a traditional Scottish music recital, with poetry and literature, from trio ‘Off the Wing’ featuring guitar, harp and voice performances: www.the-soc.org.uk/pages/gettin....
Breeding on the high tops, Dotterel can be extremely hard to see. It's in May that you may bump into a small group of Dotterel feeding or resting in a ploughed field as they stop off on migration. Eastern and coastal areas tend to be better but in theory they could turn up anywhere.
May 16, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Breeding on the high tops, Dotterel can be extremely hard to see. It's in May that you may bump into a small group of Dotterel feeding or resting in a ploughed field as they stop off on migration. Eastern and coastal areas tend to be better but in theory they could turn up anywhere.
Join us tomorrow at SOC HQ, from 2-4pm, for the launch of 'Donald Watson - Bird Artist and Writer', a celebration of Donald as one of Britain's finest bird artists & field ornithologists. Signed copies will be available and we'll be treated to some short talks about Donald from some of the authors.
April 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Join us tomorrow at SOC HQ, from 2-4pm, for the launch of 'Donald Watson - Bird Artist and Writer', a celebration of Donald as one of Britain's finest bird artists & field ornithologists. Signed copies will be available and we'll be treated to some short talks about Donald from some of the authors.
The Common Sandpiper breeds in upland areas and has a characteristic way of bobbing along faster flowing streams and rivers. However, on migration they can be found in a variety of wetlands so listen out for their distinctive high pitched whistling calls.
April 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The Common Sandpiper breeds in upland areas and has a characteristic way of bobbing along faster flowing streams and rivers. However, on migration they can be found in a variety of wetlands so listen out for their distinctive high pitched whistling calls.
Tracking nocturnal migration of waterfowl in Scotland (Matthew Giles)
Developing competence, confidence and commitment in bioacoustics surveying for birds (Paul Jepson)
Developing competence, confidence and commitment in bioacoustics surveying for birds (Paul Jepson)
April 22, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Tracking nocturnal migration of waterfowl in Scotland (Matthew Giles)
Developing competence, confidence and commitment in bioacoustics surveying for birds (Paul Jepson)
Developing competence, confidence and commitment in bioacoustics surveying for birds (Paul Jepson)