- Flamborough Bird Observatory

Welcome to Flamborough Bird Observatory’s new website
If you have arrived here via fbo.org.uk, please change your links and bookmarks to flamboroughbirdobs.org.uk

COVID-19
Please take time to read the latest Observatory update in relation to COVID-19

The area surrounding Flamborough is renowned for having the largest mainland seabird colony in Britain, a reputation for having top drawer seawatching and not least it is a fantastic place to witness bird migration and see small birds such as thrushes, warblers and chats making landfall after crossing the North Sea.

Flamborough Bird Observatory 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. The Observatory’s recording area encompasses the village of Flamborough and the neighbouring settlements of Bempton, Buckton and Speeton. In addition, the Observatory is also involved in creating and maintaining habitats for wildlife, and promoting conservation in the local community.

As a registered charity, the Observatory’s work is 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. Joining instructions can be found here!

News & Events

Migweek 2020

September 11, 2020

Migweek is an annual event open to the public, celebrating the amazing world of bird migration! Because of the ongoing pandemic, we’re doing things differently this year and running our programme virtually – thanks to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, who are kindly hosting us (online this time!) so we can continue to celebrate and share the wonders of…

Click here for full details of recent daily highlights

Recent Daily Highlights

22nd September 2020

Another unseasonably warm day, with temperatures reaching 23 degrees C in sunny skies and light south-west winds. The first-winter Caspian Gull re-appeared at Thornwick Camp late afternoon and a Short-eared Owl hunted the outer head. Both the Greenish Warbler at Thornwick, the juvenile Red-backed Shrike alongside the Golf Course and the two Barred Warblers in…

21st September 2020

A sunny day, with light south-west winds and temperatures that reached an unseasonal high of 21 degrees C. Thirty-two Common Scoters flew north and 39 Red-throated Divers headed south during the morning’s seawatch. In the local context, the day’s most notable sighting related to a Glossy Ibis that flew north past the lighthouse; only the…

20th September 2020

An overcast day, with mist/drizzle early morning only and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C in a light easterly wind. The undoubted highlight was the presence of two Humpback Whales several km offshore of the Fog Station mid-morning. One animal habitually breached for over an hour, providing those lucky enough to be present with an awesome…

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