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
- 8th December 2024
Storm Darragh certainly impacted the headland, with storm force northerly winds blowing over trees, but also resulting in an impressive seawatch for the time of year. Squally, heavy showers also featured, adding to the rapidly rising water table. A Black-necked Grebe alighted in front of the Seawatch Observatory in the… - 7th December 2024
Overcast throughout, with light rain in the morning and heavier showers in the afternoon. Winds were light first thing, but switched to gale force north-north-westerlies by the close; temperatures peaked at nine degrees C. Seawatch highlights included single Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver flying north, another Great Northern south,… - 6th December 2024A relatively bright day, with a moderate west-north-westerly wind that dropped in strength and a peak temperature of seven degrees C. Nineteen Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a lone Puffin flew north during the morning’s seawatch. A flock of 61 Pink-footed Geese on the outer head were still accompanied…
- 5th December 2024A day of light/moderate south-south-westerlies, sunny intervals followed by increasing cloud and a high of 11 degrees C. The highlight of an uneventful seawatch was a lone Little Auk on the water. Elsewhere, the seven Lesser White-fronted Geese and lone Russsian White-front toured the northern side of the outer head.…
Daily Highlights
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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.
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!