Welcome to Birds in Clyde |
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Whether you are new to birdwatching, an experienced birder, or somewhere in between, the purpose of this website is to get you involved and further your enjoyment of Scotland's wonderful birdlife.
The Scottish Ornithologists' Club (SOC) was established in 1936 and exists to promote the study, enjoyment and conservation of wild birds and their habitats across Scotland. This is the website of the Clyde Branch of the SOC, which coordinates recording and activities, with regular meetings and outings.
Noticeboard
NEW: Glasgow Peregrine Project - from John Simpson (SOC Clyde Branch Local Recorder)
It is a pleasure to report that the city’s peregrines nesting on the Gilbert Scott Tower at Glasgow University, have three large and very boisterous chicks. Whilst SOC Clyde Branch led the project, we see the project as a proactive collaboration with all of our conservation partners: RSPB, Glasgow Natural History Society, SWT, Scottish Raptor Study Groups, BTO, Glasgow University, Glasgow’s Wildlife Photographers, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Live.
As it is its first year, the Project will have a 'soft' launch, simply consisting of a series of public viewing events, which will be facilitated by SOC and Scottish Raptor Study Group members at the University and by RSPB and Kelvingrove staff at the Museum. We hope to get a camera installed on the nest and the chicks ringed at a public / media event but the details of this are still to be finalised. Following this launch, we hope to discuss the potential for expanding and formalising the Project, so that we are well set-up for next year, when hopefully the birds will return.
On Saturday 27th May, we had a wonderful first public viewing day with Clyde birders and visiting tourists from all over Europe and beyond. The interaction between the branch members and the public was lovely to witness. The birds performed well with prey items being delivered to three healthy chicks. The university spire makes for a dramatic nesting location and the buzz of the city just adds to the experience. The project will develop over time and it is hoped to have the chicks ringed on Thursday 1st June 2023. You’re all invited and you will be notified as soon as the details are known. The ringing effort will involve a death defying abseil and the chicks brought down to ground level for everyone to enjoy the birds being ringed and making their contribution to conservation science. The Hunterian Art Gallery proves to be a good location for the watch with toilets in the gallery and pubs and coffee shops close by. Hopefully we’ll see you for the ringing event or next Saturday 3rd June 2023 1100-1300hrs at the Hunterian Art Gallery. Photos and short video from the first public viewing event can be found below.
This initiative would not be possible without the generous funding of the GNATS, RSPB and The SOC. Looking forward to seeing you there.
It is a pleasure to report that the city’s peregrines nesting on the Gilbert Scott Tower at Glasgow University, have three large and very boisterous chicks. Whilst SOC Clyde Branch led the project, we see the project as a proactive collaboration with all of our conservation partners: RSPB, Glasgow Natural History Society, SWT, Scottish Raptor Study Groups, BTO, Glasgow University, Glasgow’s Wildlife Photographers, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Live.
As it is its first year, the Project will have a 'soft' launch, simply consisting of a series of public viewing events, which will be facilitated by SOC and Scottish Raptor Study Group members at the University and by RSPB and Kelvingrove staff at the Museum. We hope to get a camera installed on the nest and the chicks ringed at a public / media event but the details of this are still to be finalised. Following this launch, we hope to discuss the potential for expanding and formalising the Project, so that we are well set-up for next year, when hopefully the birds will return.
On Saturday 27th May, we had a wonderful first public viewing day with Clyde birders and visiting tourists from all over Europe and beyond. The interaction between the branch members and the public was lovely to witness. The birds performed well with prey items being delivered to three healthy chicks. The university spire makes for a dramatic nesting location and the buzz of the city just adds to the experience. The project will develop over time and it is hoped to have the chicks ringed on Thursday 1st June 2023. You’re all invited and you will be notified as soon as the details are known. The ringing effort will involve a death defying abseil and the chicks brought down to ground level for everyone to enjoy the birds being ringed and making their contribution to conservation science. The Hunterian Art Gallery proves to be a good location for the watch with toilets in the gallery and pubs and coffee shops close by. Hopefully we’ll see you for the ringing event or next Saturday 3rd June 2023 1100-1300hrs at the Hunterian Art Gallery. Photos and short video from the first public viewing event can be found below.
This initiative would not be possible without the generous funding of the GNATS, RSPB and The SOC. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Peregrine © Steven Mcgrath
Clyde Big Birding Day - THANK YOU!
Thanks to everyone who took part on Saturday. The provisional total of species is 133, which is two more than 2022!
Thank you to all who have submitted records so far too. If you still have sightings to submit then there is more information on how to do this on the main Clyde Big Birding Day page .
The provisional list of species from Saturday can be seen here .
Thanks to everyone who took part on Saturday. The provisional total of species is 133, which is two more than 2022!
Thank you to all who have submitted records so far too. If you still have sightings to submit then there is more information on how to do this on the main Clyde Big Birding Day page .
The provisional list of species from Saturday can be seen here .
NEW: Discussion Group
The discussion group are focusing on eight species - you can see them in the graphic. Even if you aren't part of the discussion group, we are all encouraged to report sightings of these species. Raven, one of the eight species, has its own page! The discussion group will be producing more species pages soon. Future dates for the group meetings will be announced soon. |
Discussion group members, John and Judith Chapman, have written up their experiences of watching the 8 focus species in the Clyde area. It is beautifully illustrated.
Website updates
- NEW: The May grapevine summary is now available. Don't forget you can also look back at last June's summary to see what was around last year as we go into the new month. Do let us know what you find!
- A report from the recent Cashel outing is now available.
- June's outing on Saturday 17th June will be to Culter Glen, South Lanarkshire.
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