In "Jackdaws and Other Friends" Andrew Murray Threipland guides the reader on a tour of the grounds of Fingask in the company of ornithologist/composer Peter Cowdrey, telling how a dawn birdsong walk during lockdown led to unexpected discoveries about Fingask's landscape and history. The book is Illustrated with previously unpublished ornithological sketches by the great Scottish artist Donald Watson. The book also includes poems about birds illustrated by Katya Gerasimova Bosky, Allan Goodwillie, Xenia Kravchenko, Mungo McCosh, Lizzie McDougall, Sasha Mizikova and Eugenie Vronskaya.

This delightful A5 volume will be an essential companion for walks around Fingask, and also an engaging journey into what lies behind the landscape of a small Scottish estate. Profits from sales will go to two charities- Watson Birds and Planet Birdsong.

There will be a birdsong day, on June 25th comprising a birdsong studio, walks, and concert for Watson Birds in the Town Hall at St.John's Town of Dalry, Dumfries and Galloway. Details can be found here.

Subsequently, on October 23rd, 2022, there will be a book launch of "Jackdaws and Other Friends"; the event will include Bird Walks, a Birdsong Studio, and will be followed by a one hour performance of birdsong-inspired music from 1668 to the present day by The Conference of Birds. See the calendar for booking details.