Flamborough Headland is renowned for having the largest mainland seabird colony in Britain and a reputation for top drawer seawatching. Not least, the area is a fantastic place to witness bird migration and see small birds such as thrushes, chats and warblers making landfall after crossing the North Sea and it also has an impeccable pedigree in attracting scarcities from continental Europe and rarities from farther east.
Latest Sightings
- 19th April 2025
The cool, fresh easterly continued pegging the temperature to a high of 12°C. A much quieter day bird-wise with migrants being restricted to a Lesser Whitethroat, one White and five Yellow Wagtails, a single Wheatear A Grasshopper Warbler reeled at Bempton Cliffs where two Yellow Wagtails,three Sedge Warblers,a Blackcap and… - 18th April 2025
A relatively overcast day, with only occasional sunny intervals; feeling cool in an increasingly strong south-easterly wind, with a maximum of 11 degrees C. Despite the temperatures, there was an impressive Mediterranean flavour to the birding. Headlining was a male Ashy-headed Wagtail on the Golf Course; initially seen at distance… - 17th April 2025The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light/moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 16 degrees C. At least two Short-eared Owls toured the outer head as did a single Little Ringed Plover. Passerine migrants included a Hooded Crow near Old Fall, 42 Chiffchaffs, 16 Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, 17…
- 16th April 2025A relatively overcast day with some sunny intervals, a blustery wind generally from the south and a high of 12 degrees C. Conditions resulted in the best day’s birding this year: a Purple Heron flew south over North Landing at 1500hrs; a Yellow-browed Warbler headed inland through Coastguard Cottage gardens…
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Flamborough Bird Observatory (FBO) is one of only twenty bird observatories located at key migration hotspots in Britain and Ireland. It is run by a team of dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers whose aims include studying bird populations and and recording migration. FBO’s recording area is broadly the same as the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast and encompasses the whole area east of Danes Dyke including the village of Flamborough and also, west of Danes Dyke, the neighbouring settlements of Bempton, Buckton and Speeton on the north side of the headland and Sewerby on the south.
FBO is also involved in creating and maintaining habitats for wildlife, and promoting conservation in the local community. Our annual events include a Seawatching Festival over a long weekend in late August and a nine-day ‘Migweek’ in mid-October.
The headland won the accolade of being the birdwatching site of the year by ‘Site of the Year’ title, in Birdwatch magazine’s Birders’ Choice Awards for 2021 and again after a stellar year in 2024. It is a testament to the work on the headland, together with our partners at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, in relation to conservation, public engagement and not least the field work of those who monitor bird populations and provide daily bird news updates.
As a registered charity, FBO’s work is wholly reliant upon the help and goodwill of our Friends and volunteers. If you would like to support us, please become a Friend of Flamborough Bird Observatory. You can join online in seconds by registering your personal details and payment here!