Welcome to Watson Birds

Watson Birds celebrates the work of bird artist & nature writer Donald Watson. We aim to engender public interest in linking birds and the arts, nature and the environment through participation in events and following our trails. The project is centred on St John’s Town of Dalry, in The Glenkens area of Galloway, south west Scotland. Periodically, we hold bird festivals, art exhibitions, musical events, science days and debates. We have established walking and riding trails in the area.

I hope you will find the information in this web site of interest. We welcome feedback. Please use the contact form. And we welcome participation.

Roger Crofts, Watson Birds Director

The Logo

The logo captures 3 birds. The Golden Eagle is the iconic bird of Scotland, studied by Donald’s ornithologist son Jeff who published a classic monograph on the subject. The Hen Harrier was the focus of Donald’s scientific studies and paintings and is depicted in his last book In Search of Harriers and his monograph The Hen Harrier. The Swift nests in the tower of Dalry Town Hall and is an evocation of the Watson’s long connection with the village.