Tag: ornithology

Scottish Ornithologists’ Club 90th Anniversary Event

Celebrating 90 years of Scotland’s Bird Club

An Audience with Hamza Yassin: Talk, Q & A and book signing event

7.30pm on Saturday 11 April 2026, Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Fife

The SOC has long provided what our founders – back in 1936 – described as ‘a common meeting ground for all those interested in ornithology in Scotland’.

This year we celebrate 90 years of the Club fulfilling that original mission, and we’re delighted to commemorate this milestone by presenting a talk, Q & A and book signing from Scotland-based wildlife cameraman, author and TV presenter, Hamza Yassin. 

Few naturalists have captured the hearts of the nation like Hamza. His infectious sense of wonder combined with his breathtaking filmmaking has engaged millions of viewers in the UK, including those who tuned in to watch his most recent series, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles on BBC.

We’re delighted to be welcoming him on the night to share his incredible experiences filming wildlife across the globe, and particularly in his beloved homeland of Scotland. Packed with stunning footage, charming personal stories and reflections, the evening will offer a glimpse into the life and work of one of the country’s most-loved natural history storytellers.

As the Club enters its 90th year, Hamza’s message feels more important than ever. Hamza truly believes that by engaging people in the joy of nature and what it has to offer, we can all gain a fresh perspective on the world around us and work together to protect it.

Don’t miss this inspiring celebration—a night of stories, stunning visuals, and a shared passion for nature that birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and fans of Hamza’s programmes will never forget!

Book your place now at https://tinyurl.com/38abp3c5 and be part of this milestone event in the Club’s history – 60% of tickets have already sold!

This event is suitable for attendees ages 12 and above. Young people under 18 years are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

Everyone attending requires a ticket. All tickets are General Admission. Places range for £10 – £20. 

SOC reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event due to unforeseen circumstances. Where participants are unable to join a re-scheduled event, a full refund will be given. With regret, ticket sales are non-refundable.

Scots encouraged to flock to their gardens for National Nestbox Week

It’s National Nestbox Week (14 – 21 February) and Barratt Developments Scotland is encouraging the nation to get involved with bird conservation from their very own gardens.

Garden birds need a safe place to raise their chicks, and it’s both fun and easy for residents to open up their gardens and give them a home for the season. Britain is in need of more nestboxes to help support bird populations, and National Nestbox Week aims to raise awareness of how quick and easy it is to play an important part.

To coincide with the week, Barratt has created an online nestbox quiz for homeowners to learn more about their feathered friends and how to make their own gardens wildlife-friendly for nature’s neighbours. Those taking the quiz are in with a chance of winning up to £100 in RSPB vouchers. 

It comes as part of Barratt Developments Scotland’s, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, commitment to supporting wildlife on developments and celebrating its national partnership with the RSPB. 

Each entrant to the quiz will be able to learn more about a range of birds as they’re asked to match common species to the homes that suit their needs.

Estelle Sykes, Sales Director at Barratt Development Scotland, said: “We always try to give nature a home at our developments, creating new habitats as part of our long-term partnership with the RSPB.

“Alongside National Nestbox Week, hopefully this quiz can help get all generations involved in learning more about wildlife and nature.”

National Nestbox Week is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology and aims to encourage more people to help the birds by putting up nestboxes.

Anyone wishing to take part in the housebuilder’s digital bird quiz has until Monday 28 February 2022 to enter the prize draw.

With six prizes up for grabs in the form of RSPB vouchers, homeowners can make their garden inviting for birds, in addition to other wildlife such as hedgehogs, bees and butterflies.

To take part in the quiz, please visit: https://birdhousequiz.co.uk/.

When looking to place a nestbox in a garden, it’s important to find a sheltered, shady location, preferably facing north through east to south-east to avoid prevailing winds and strong direct sunlight. Nestboxes also need to be kept out of reach of cats and other predators.

There are many ways that residents in the country can help the birds in their garden, such as providing a regular supply of clean water by using a bird bath, providing nestboxes and putting the right bird seed out including flaked maize and sunflower hearts.

For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit the website at www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk.

Armchair view of Botanic Gardens’ sparrowhawks

Birdwatchers can get close up and personal with a beautiful bird of prey – without having to leave the comfort of their armchairs

A webcam was mounted in a sparrowhawk nest within the Botanic Gardens on 29 May, and since then there’s been live online video of activity at the nest. This is the third year in succession with live video coming from a sparrowhawk nest in the Garden.

Research is showing that the Garden is a key breeding site for these magnificent birds – the regular successful breeding in the Garden is a reflection of a healthy songbird population in this part of Edinburgh as these small birds make up the key prey items of sparrowhawks.

The project is the result of a partnership involving the Garden, RSPB Scotland, Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group and the Scottish Seabird Centre. RBGE is particularly delighted to see the return of the sparrowhawk in this the Year of Natural Scotland, a celebration of our country’s wildlife and natural assets.

To see the local sparrowhawks in action go to

www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/edinburgh/sparrowhawk-nestcam

RBGE

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