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
- 14th January 2025
Winds were light, generally from the south-west, with a marked increase in temperature to a high of 11 degrees C. A southbound Velvet Scoter was the highlight of a morning seawatch. On the land, a Water Rail remained on the edge of the Lighthouse Field, while a Merlin and 30… - 13th January 2025
Overcast, with a moderate south-west wind and a high of five degrees C. The Snow Bunting flock (30 birds) remained on Beacon Hill. Further evidence of cold weather movement included 20 Redwing, 37 Fieldfare and 39 Lapwing all moving west. Elsewhere,a drake Pochard lingered on Thornwick Lakes and a Short-eared… - 12th January 2025A relatively overcast day, with light south-westerly winds and a peak temperature of two degrees C. A Blue Fulmar and a Great Northern Diver flew north past North Landing. The Thornwick area hosted a Pink-footed Goose, a Little Grebe, one Water Rail, 20 Tufted Ducks, a drake Pochard, 112 Teal…
- 11th January 2025The weather consisted of light north-westerly winds, sunny intervals and a maximum of six degrees C. A Great Northern Diver that flew spouth represented the seawatch highlight. On the land, the party of Lesser White-fronted Geese were relocated on fields east of North Landing, while at least 36 Snow Buntings…
Daily Highlights
Recent Highlights
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Highlights Archive
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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!