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 34 – with Systematic List for the year 2022. Published on 21 Mar 2023 and available to subscribed ABC members.
ARGYLL BIRD REPORT Volume 33 – with Systematic List for the year 2021. This report is now available as a full colour PDF for download see under ‘Publications’.
2019 Machrihanish Seabird Observatory – annual report is now available – 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 1/6/23:
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 wear suitable footwear and bring waterproof clothing if rain is forecast.
FIELD TRIPS 2023
Field trips are currently limited to 20 participants so it is essential that you contact the leader of a trip beforehand to make sure a place is available.
If there is a chance that adverse weather might lead to the cancellation of a field trip, please check this page or contact the organiser the night before or prior to setting off. Please wear suitable footwear and bring waterproof clothing if rain is forecast.
There will be a risk assessment and safety briefing at the start of each field trip.
Saturday, 24 June. A walk on the Island of Kerrera. This will involve a 6-7km walk on tracks around the northern end of Kerrera leaving from the ferry terminal at Gallanach, south of Oban. Please let David Jardine () know if you are interested in attending. He will send out details in the week before the outing.
There is no field trip in July
Saturday 26 August 2023. Seabird watching trip to Islay. Following last year’s successful trip it is proposed to hold a similar outing leaving Kennacraig on the morning ferry returning later in the day following a short walk on Islay or Jura. Given the current uncertainties with the Calmac timetables the precise details will be issued closer to the date. Please contact David Jardine () if you wish to attend.
Please bear in mind that the situation can change quickly, so please check this page for updates.
INDOOR MEETINGS 2023/2024
Autumn Meeting and Club AGM. Saturday 4 November 2023. The meeting will be held at the Cairnbaan Hotel (www.cairnbaan.com), near Lochgilphead (phone ). Lunches will be available in the hotel.
The programme for the meeting will be sent by e-mail to club members and displayed here just prior to the meeting.
Spring Meeting 2024. Saturday 2 or 9 March. The venue is yet to be decided.
Should you be interested in giving a talk at an indoor meeting for a possible Autumn 2023/Spring 2024 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 Secretary –