BIRDWATCHING SITES IN THE LOTHIANS
Compiled by Ian J. Andrews (1989)

Note: this guide was first published by the Lothian Branch of the SOC in April 1989 and is reproduced here with a minimal amount of revision. Changes have taken place at some sites, but it is hoped that the guide will still be of use to locals and visitors alike.

To navigate between sites, either click on the red location name on the main map (upper left frame), or click on the site name on the index (lower left frame).

The individual site maps (from the original booklet) will be added soon.

INTRODUCTION TO THE 1989 EDITION

The aim of this guide is to provide birdwatchers, whether locals, new arrivals or visitors with some basic information on where to birdwatch in Lothian Region. Most sections are written by someone familiar with the site, except for a few for which I have provided a few notes! 'The Birds of the Lothians' and the Lothian Bird Reports give some idea of where most people go birdwatching, but this guide provides useful information not only on where to go, but also details of site access (supplemented with maps) and also the species likely to be seen during the year. The best known sites are mainly coastal and are covered in some detail, but a variety of inland sites complete the whole range of habitats from which Lothian benefits.

Lothian may be one of the best watched parts of Scotland but there always remains the possibility of discovering something new and finding your own birds and birdwatching sites is still a reality. Coverage has increased in recent years, but there is still a lot waiting to be found. Please send your records to the Local Recorder so that the information can be used to build up an accurate picture of our avifauna and help compile the annual Lothian Bird Report.

Please observe the Country Code at all times, respect locals privacy and farmers livelihoods. The Birdwatchers Code of Conduct is aimed to help birdwatchers and ensure that the welfare of birds always comes first. If you are in any doubt about releasing the news of a rarity in view of local circumstances the Local Recorders will always be pleased to advise.

Map references are given for each site and sheets 65, 66 and 67 of the Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger series cover Lothian Region. A comprehensive set of detailed, 1:25,000 scale Pathfinder maps is also published by the Ordnance Survey.

Some of the individual sections reproduced here were first published in 1986-88 in the Southeast Scotland Bird Bulletin (produced monthly by the SOC Lothian Branch). Only minor amendments have been made to these and the varied styles of the respective authors have been maintained.

Thanks go to the following for their valuable contributions: G. Anderson, J.G. Bennie, A.W. Brown, J.A.P. Andrews, M. Griffin, P.R. Gordon, B.A. Hickman, R. McBeath, I. Mackie, E.J. Macgregor, D. Napier, J.M. Ogg, M.D. Porteous, S.R.D. da Prato, G.L. Sandeman and R.W.J. Smith.

REFERENCES

Over the years several species lists have been drawn up for sites in this guide, the most recent are given below. Copies are available in the SOC Library, if not published.

Anderson, D.R. and Waterson, G. 1961. Check-list of the birds of Duddingston Loch. Scottish Birds 1, 400-416.

Andrews, I.J. 1984. Barns Ness Checklist. Lothian Bird Report for 1983, 72-78.

Andrews, I.J. 1989. A Checklist of the Birds of Musselburgh Lagoons. Lothian Bird Report for 1988, in prep.

Moss, J. 1985. A Bird List for the Area Cramond to South Queensferry. Photocopied report.

Gordon, P.R. 1988. A Checklist of the Birds of Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve. Lothian Bird Report for 1987, 81-90.

Sandeman, G.L. 1987. Harperrig and Crosswood Birdlist. Photocopied list.

Smith, R.W.J. 1977. Birds of Gladhouse Reservoir (and other Moorfoot Reservoirs). Photocopied report.

Tyninghame Technical Working Party. 1976. John Muir Country Park: descriptive management plan 1976. East Lothian District Council. Birds pp. 42-49.