The Ornithology Section provides a means for birdwatchers to increase enjoyment of their pastime by expanding their knowledge of the subject and participation in field activities undertaken by the Section, often in collaboration with international bodies such as the RSPB and the BTO. Whilst all members are encouraged to take part in such activities, they are free to choose whether they do or not. An expert knowledge of ornithology is certainly not a pre-requisite, and the benefits of attending meetings include the opportunity to gain an increasing level of expertise and enjoyment. Meetings are fortnightly, on Thursdays at 8 pm, and consist of a roll call of birds seen during the previous two weeks, followed by discussion on topics of interest plus occasional slide shows and talks, all taking place in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Additional benefits include reduced subscriptions to specialist journals such as British Birds, up to the minute information on the movements of birds of local rarity and occasional social events outside the normal meetings.

Ornithology (from the Greek ornis = bird and logos = word/science) is the branch of zoology concerned with the scientific study of birds. Several aspects of the study of ornithology differ from closely related disciplines, perhaps because of the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds. Most marked among these is the extent of field studies undertaken by amateur volunteers working within the parameters of strict scientific methodology.