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 1/12/25:
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
There will be no December field trip.
Saturday 31 January 2026 Kerrera. This will be led by David Jardine (email ). Please let David know as soon as possible if you wish to go on this trip, to check whether places are available. This trip will involves a walk of c8 km (5 miles) walks on paths and tracks. Good sturdy boots are advised. Please bring a packed lunch
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:
INDOOR MEETINGS 2025
Spring Meeting 2026, Saturday 7 March. The meeting will be held at the Seil Island Community Hall (https://seilhall.org.uk). The programme is still be finalised and will be emailed to members in the New Year and displayed on this page. It is hoped to include talks on the Birds of Islay and Jura, Corncrakes, Nightjars and ’Howling Pixies’.
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 –