Blackcaps pick UK over Mediterranean for winter

SOME Scots might be heading to the Mediterranean for its winter sunshine, but more and more blackcaps are doing the opposite. Historically, blackcaps have bred in the UK and then returned to the Mediterranean during the winter. Now, scientists have discovered that a growing number of the robin-sized birds are not only staying in the…

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Look out for shelduck feathers at the beach

SCIENTISTS are asking visitors to beaches to look out for shelduck feathers this summer. Shelduck replace their feathers by moutling over the summer. They can’t fly for between two and four weeks, and so need to find safe places to moult. British shelduck either moult on mudflats in the UK or fly across the North…

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Galloway Country Fair: performing pigs and leaping sheep

THE Galloway Country Fair will include “performing pigs, fence leaping sheep, beautiful birds of prey, and dogs of all kinds”, according to its organisers. Events planned for 20 and 21 August at Drumlanrig Castle include the “Lamb National”, which involves a small flock of Herdwick sheep – complete with teddy bear jockeys, with names such…

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Have you seen a spotted flycatcher?

THE spotted flycatcher is one of six species of migratory birds returning home to Scotland right now – and scientists need your help if you spot one. Researchers at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are fitting spotted flycatchers with tags so that they can track their flights between Scotland and Africa. Monitoring the birds…

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Search is on for young nature enthusiasts

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is working in partnership again with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Scotland to launch an exciting new opportunity for young nature enthusiasts. The first initiative of its kind in Scotland, the SOC/BTO Scotland Scottish Bird Camp (an extension of the Youth Events Programme) will provide a wonderful chance for young…

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New tapestry exhibition is all set to open

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is hosting an exhibition, To The Waters and The Wild. Created by the British Tapestry Group, it will run at their headquarters at Waterston House, in Aberlady, East Lothian, from January 13 – February 28. This exhibition presents tapestry inspired by the natural world and created by the Scottish members of…

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A fascinating look at Scotland’s eagles

Jim Crumley has been described as ‘the best nature writer working in Britain today,’ and this work on the return to Scotland of the magnificent white-tailed eagle – or sea eagle – certainly proves that point. Crumley’s beautiful, descriptive prose paints a magnificent picture of these most graceful and majestic creatures. Crumley has spent years…

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Delight as storm petrels confirmed breeding on isle

Storm petrels have been confirmed breeding on NatureScot’s Isle of May National Nature Reserve for the first time. NatureScot, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and the Isle of May Bird Observatory have suspected there may be a colony on the island since 2019, when storm petrels were first spotted displaying and calling.…

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A fascinating insight to restoring Scotland’s skies

In the current climate, Restoring The Wild: Sixty Years of Rewilding Our Skies is more important than ever. Roy Dennis has spent his entire career working in Scotland on the conservation of rare birds and the reintroduction of lost species. With chapters titled ‘Endurance’, ‘Optimism’, ‘Global Vision’ and ‘Legacy’, Roy’s passion and love of wildlife…

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Cammo Park turns Christmas trees into wildlife homes

MORE than 350 people have donated their old Christmas trees to the Friends of Cammo Park. The 200-strong voluntary group – which helps the City of Edinburgh Council to manage the Cammo Estate in the north of the city – will use the trees as piles of dead wood. The old trees will decay to…

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