The Edinburgh Birdwatcher

Spotted a Buzzard today outside Dobbies Garden Centre just outside Bathgate.

And so it begins... 🦭 Some very keen-eyed visitors were lucky enough to spot the first grey seal pup of the season on our Craigleith live camera today! We're hopeful that many more will be born on the island over the coming weeks🤞

Not been out Birding since 17th due to the bad weather. I’m hoping to go out on Thursday if not I’m planning a lot more trips in November.

The Birdwatcher's yearbook 2027 is now at the printer. Due for release 1 November.

New version of front cover, Published on 1 November

Remember the clocks go back tonight.

Was supposed to be Birding on Tuesday but that got cancelled due to rain and I was going to go Birding this weekend but because of more rain and high winds because of the storms I’ve cancelled and rescheduled for next week.

Started reading Bird School by Adam Nicholson.

Little fact case you didn’t know Squirrels do make a noise if you hear this noise around this time of year it’s not a bird but a squirrel.

Due to tomorrow looking very wet all day I’ve cancelled & rescheduled my trip to Aberlady Nature Reserve to 27th. Fingers crossed it’s dry for the weekend.

Watching a Magpie in the garden.

Back at Aberlady Nature Reserve on Tuesday.

Had a lovely morning autumn Birding At Cammo my local patch. Bit quiet bird wise however I did see Woodpigeon Great Tit Jackdaw Great Spotted Woodpecker Magpie.

Love admiring this view at all seasons.

Autumn coloured leaves against blue skies is always lovely to see. Back at my local patch.

Watching a Robin on my hedge.

It is exactly 4 months I will be celebrating my 25th Birding Anniversary. Not only will I be celebrating on my anniversary 16th February, I will be celebrating 25 years all through 2027 it is going to be exciting year. #25YearsOfBirding

I’m back Birding this weekend at my local patch. Looking forward starting again in October and as I’m doing for the rest of the year dedicating my Birding to the memory of Bill Oddie.

It is 10 years ago I went Twitching for a Mandarin Duck. It had been spotted at Blackford Pond so went to have a look and stayed a while hoping to see it. Sadly I didn’t but I was determined to see it so I went again the next day and there it was in all its glory.

Autumn & Winter Edition of The RSPB Magazine @rspb.bsky.social just arrived.

Over the worst of my cold but still not feeling 100% . I was going to attend The SOC @scottishbirding.bsky.social meeting on Bird conservation in the Philippines presented by Dylan McKenzie tonight in Edinburgh but decided not to go but I’ll return for the meeting next month.

Chocked up with the cold but this Robin cheered me up.

Had a lovely few days in Liverpool but now choked with the cold so resting for a few days but back Birding at the end of the week.

🐦💚 It's World Mental Health Day! Did you know that watching and listening to birds may support your mental wellbeing? We've rounded up 3 scientific studies exploring how birds can help us feel better. 🧵👇

Good luck everyone taking part in October Big Day today. Unfortunately I have a cold & sore throat and will not be venturing outside but I’ll look to see what’s in my garden. #OctoberBigDay

Wishing The Scottish Ornithologists' Club @scottishbirding.bsky.social ‘s HQ a Happy 21st Birthday. Will be back to visit soon.

Last month was very busy for me, you can read what I got up to on my latest blog on my website. theedinburghbirdwatcher.com/2026/10/02/o...

September was a busy month Birding and I’m looking forward doing it all again in October. Here are my Tour Dates for October, also look out for my October blog on my website in the next few days.

Lovely morning at my local patch I wouldn’t say it was nice and peaceful with people around but I did see some Birds. Today I saw Blue Tit Crow Heron Robin Wren Blackbird Jackdaw

Robin singing away to another Robin in the distance.

Heron on the canal looking for food.

Thought I’d have a return trip to my local patch Cammo Estate Nature Reserve.

Another Birthday card I got.

I love the words of this birthday card I got yesterday.

Just heard a skien of Geese whilst in Bed now it’s Autumn for me.

Bird gifts I got today for my birthday.

Was just watching 3 Robins chasing eachother all over the garden it was entertaining.

Very quiet on Figgate Park today so it wasn’t a big Birdwatch today but my sightings were Woodpigeon Moorhen Crow Magpie Mute Swan Blue Tit Mallard Herring Gull

Big Swan family.

Blue Tit hanging above me.

Been awhile since I’ve been to Figgate Park but I’m looking forward to seeing what’s here.

Back Birding tomorrow with a return trip to Figgate Park.

I had a great time on my first trip to Easter Craiglockhart Hill Nature Reserve. Sightings I saw today were Mute Swan Buzzard Mallard Coot Moorhen Feral Pigeon Little Grebe Black Headed Gull Woodpigeon Kestrel Magpie Hooded Crow Crow Robin

This place has so many hidden gems.

Made it to the top of Craiglockhart Hill and was greeted by a Kestrel hovering.

Great start at Craiglockhart Pond, Mute Swans, Buzzards, Mallards, Coots & Moorhens.

Arrived at a brand new place Easter Craiglockhart Hill Nature Reserve which I’ve never been before looking forward seeing what’s around.

Back Birding this week Tomorrow I’m heading to a place I’ve never been before Easter Craiglockhart Nature Reserve which has a pond. Then on the 24th I’m heading to Figgate Park. Just Incase you didn’t know I’m dedicating my Birding this year to the memory of Bill Oddie.

Woodpigeon on top of my feeder pole this morning. Followed by Blue Tit. Also had Robin & Coal Tit.

Back Birding next week. On the 22nd I’m heading to a place I’ve never been before Easter Craiglockhart Nature Reserve which has a pond, then on the 24th I’m heading to Figgate Park.