ABC FACEBOOK GROUP ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/1913276852095925/about/ )
A Facebook group has been set up appeal to members and others who like to use this media. Please share your photos, video clips, ask for ID advice or share an experience with the group!
ARGYLL BIRD REPORT Volume 36 – with Systematic List for the year 2024. The report has now been completed and has been distributed to subscribed Argyll Bird Club members.
ARGYLL BIRD REPORT Volume 35 – with Systematic List for the year 2023.
This report is now available as a full colour PDF for download by anyone – see under ‘Publications’.
AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) – FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE LINKS BELOW
https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/pages/dead-or-sick-wild-birds-what-to-do/
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/
FORTHCOMING FIELD TRIPS AND MEETINGS – Reviewed 2/9/25:
If there is a chance that adverse weather might lead to the cancellation of a field trip, please check this page of the website or contact the organiser the night before or in good time prior to setting off. Please take note of the advice below.
Field trips are currently limited to 15 participants unless otherwise stated so it is essential that you contact the leader of a trip beforehand to make sure a place is available.
Participation at your own risk
Bird watching activities involve inherent risks that participants should be aware of before joining our events. These include:
Environmental Hazards
Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, weather changes, wildlife encounters (insects, snakes, other animals), zoonotic diseases (e.g. Lyme’s and Weil’s disease etc.), and remote locations with limited emergency access.
Activity Risks
Extended walking, use of optical equipment, group activities, and travel to birding locations.
Your Responsibilities
- Assess your physical fitness for outdoor activities
- Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
- Bring water, snacks, and any personal medications
- Follow safety instructions from event leaders
- Inform leaders of relevant medical conditions
- Participate only if you feel comfortable doing so
Important
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The Club cannot guarantee your safety and is not responsible for accidents or injuries. In medical emergencies, leaders may seek appropriate treatment on your behalf.
Photos taken during events may be used for Club promotional purposes unless you notify event leaders otherwise.
For complete terms and conditions, contact Club Secretary.
Attendance on field trips is limited to a maximum of 15 members. Therefore, it is essential that you contact the leader of a trip beforehand to make sure a place is available, and to receive up-to-date rendezvous details.
If there is a chance that adverse weather might lead to the cancellation of a field trip, please check the club’s website or contact the organiser the night before or prior to setting off.
There will be a risk assessment and safety briefing at the start of each field trip. Trip leaders will keep a record of folk attending each trip.
FIELD TRIPS 2025
Saturday 27 September. Arran. David Jardine is hoping to organise a one-day trip to Arran (Claonaig/Lochranza Ferry) looking at a few sites on the west coast of the island. It will comprise a number of short walks, including some on rougher ground. This trip will be limited to 12 people and David is looking for two volunteer drivers who will be willing to take their cars over to the island for the day. Please contact David ( if you wish to attend and can assist with transport.
Saturday 25 October. Toward and south Loch Striven. Led by Alistair McGregor (mobile phone :e-mail ). Please contact Alistair if you would like to go on this trip, to make sure there are places available and to receive rendezvous details. There will be three short walks of about 1km each along a mix of shore and track, suitable foot-wear is advised. Please bring your own packed lunch.
Saturday 29 November. Loch Gilp and the Add Estuary. Please meet Jim Dickson at 10.00hrs at the car park in Ardrishaig (the one with the public toilet, opposite the shops), as the Corran Car Park in Lochgilphead is often full of cars these days. After looking for birds on Loch Fyne we will head to Islandadd Bridge at the Add Estuary. Please bring a packed lunch. We aim to finish around 15.00hrs. The meeting will involve short walks on level ground. Please contact Jim if you would like to go on this trip (e-mail: phone ).
There will be no December field trip
INDOOR MEETINGS 2025
Autumn Meeting & AGM 2025, Saturday 1 November. To be held at Kilmartin Church, with lunches (soup and sandwiches) and teas and coffees available. Lunches must be pre booked (please state if you have any dietary restrictions) with the Membership Secretary (contact details on back page) by the 24 October. The cost is £12.50 per person, which includes teas and coffees. The programme will include talks on Woodcock and Siskins, and a talk by a BTO staff member. The AGM will follow lunch (agenda on page 6).
If there is enough interest, we hope to have a 40th anniversary dinner at the Kilmartin Hotel following the above meeting. We need a minimum of 20 (maximum 40) folk for this to be a viable event. Please let the Membership Secretary know by 15 September if this interests you.
Spring Meeting 2026, Saturday 7 March. The meeting will be held at the Seil Island Community Hall (https://seilhall.org.uk). More information will be available nearer the time on the club’s website and in the next Eider.
Should you be interested in giving a talk at an indoor meeting for a possible Autumn 2025/Spring 2026 season, please contact David Jardine (phone). Further details will be provided on this page, the Club’s Facebook page and via email to Club members.
https://www.the-soc.org.uk/files/docs/SOCZoomGuideforMembers.pdf
Additional details of how to join our online meetings (including a weblink) will be sent to members by email just before each meeting. If you aren’t yet a member please join
FUNDING FOR BIRD CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN ARGYLL
The ABC is willing to fund or part fund worthwhile bird conservation projects in Argyll. For example, help was given towards the costs of field work for the recent Seabird Monitoring Programme (seabird counts 2015-2019). More recently the club has helped to fund the provision of nest boxes for Grey Wagtails and Dippers in Kintyre and nest boxes for Swifts. Applications for funding should be submitted to the Treasurer –