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 37 – with Systematic List for the year 2025. The report is now published and will be distributed to Bird Club members.
ARGYLL BIRD REPORT Volume 36 – with Systematic List for the year 2024.
This report is now available as a full colour PDF for download by anyone following publication of ABR 37- 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 1/3/26:
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 2026
Saturday 28 February 2026 Bute. This will be led by Alistair McGregor mobile phone (e-mail ). Please let Alistair know as soon as possible if you aim to go on this trip, to check that places are available. Meet Alistair McGregor at the Colintraive Ferry at 10.00hrs. We aim to share cars to take the minimum number over on the 10.30hrs ferry. Please bring a packed lunch. The trip will include several short walks (each approx 500 m maximum) on mostly level ground. But good sturdy boots are advised.
Saturday 28 March 2026 Kilchoan Melfort Estate. Led by Laura Dawson, Biodiversity and Engagement Officer at the Estate, for a walk round the variety of habitats found there. Waterproof and warm clothing, and off-road footwear advised, as is packed lunch. Meet at Kilchoan Grid Ref: NM 797134 10am. Maximum group size 12. Contact Laura to book your place or email:
Saturday 25 April 2026 Outing to Gigha. This will be led by Malcolm Chattwood (email ). Please let Malcolm know if you aim to go on this trip to check that places are available. It is antcipated that we’ll meet at Tayinloan at 10:30 for the 11:00 ferry but confirmation will be provided to partcipants. The trip will involve a walk of 4-6 km (3-4 miles) on tracks and roads depending on the weather. Stout footwear, waterproofs and picnic required.
Saturday 30 May 2026 Auchgoyle Farm, Tighnabruaich. Led by Alistair McGregor. Members will be notified by email or watch this space for further information nearer the time.
Saturday 13 June2026 Sanda. This will be a day trip using Mull of Kintyre Sea Adventures (www.mokseaadventures. co.uk), skippered by Haydn Chambers and led by Nigel Scriven. With more notice this year we hope to fill the boat. Transport is by a fast RIB, taking 40-50 minutes to get there, and including a circumnavigaton if conditions allow. Places are limited to 12, so early booking is advised. The cost will be £75 per person if we have a full complement. We will meet on the pier at the pontoon gateway, Campbeltown at 09.00hrs, returning around 17.00hrs. If adverse weather conditions cause cancellation on the Saturday, Sunday is a possible fallback option. Even in fairly smooth conditions there is the possibility of getting wet on the crossing, so good waterproof jackets and trousers are strongly recommended. Lifejackets will be provided and must be worn. We will be walking on rough ground at times, so stout footwear is advised. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. We will take a route around the coast and across the middle of the island. It is a peak time for breeding seabirds. There may be opportunities to observe licensed bird ringing. Booking is essential, so contact Nigel (mobile phone , email )
INDOOR MEETINGS 2026
Spring Meeting 2026, Saturday 7 March. The meeting will be held at the Seil Island Community Hall Ellenabeich, Isle of Seil, PA34 4RQ (https://seilhall.org.uk). The programme is displayed below and available for download via this link
Please let the Membership Secretary, Rachel Harris (), know if you wish to attend the meeting. Attendance is free for members, and £5.00 for non-members.
A lunch of soup and sandwiches can be available for you in the hall if booked in advance, at a cost of £12.50 per head.
Please let the Membership Secretary, Rachel Harris (), know by February 28th if you would like lunch at the venue in order to inform the caterers of numbers. Please also advise of any dietary requirements and allergies/food intolerances.
Programme
ABC Meeting Prog Mar 2026 Copy
Should you be interested in giving a talk at an indoor meeting for a possible Autumn 2026/Spring 2027 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 –