- Flamborough Bird Observatory

Important Notice about COVID-19
The Seawatch Observatory and Thornwick Pools Hide are now closed.
Please take time to read the latest Observatory update in relation to COVID-19 before visiting the area

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. You can join online and become a Friend in seconds by completing the forms for your personal details and payment here!

Click here for full details of recent daily highlights

Recent Daily Highlights

31st October 2020

A day of strong southerly winds, overcast skies and spells of rain, with temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C. A total of 69 Wigeon, a Tufted Duck and 24 Common Scoters flew south during the seawatch, along with three Knot, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and a Bonxie. Furthermore, a southerly movement of large gulls included…

30th October 2020

Overcast with prolonged spells of light rain, a light south-westerly and milder temperatures that reached a maximum of 14 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Shoveler, 21 Wigeon, a Velvet Scoter, a female Long-tailed Duck, seven Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, three Great Northern Divers, four Snipe and 16 Little Gulls flew south; a drake Long-tailed…

29th October 2020

The weather consisted of overcast skies and persistent, but relatively light, rain for much of the day; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with a Long-tailed Duck, eight Goosanders and two Great Northern Divers flying south. Although 22 Whooper Swans on the outer head were suggestive of birds remaining from this…

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