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
- 10th December 2024
A moderate north-easterly and full cloud cover led to a maximum temperature of 7°C. Seawatching offered the principal interest for the day. Sightings at the Fog Station included a Red-necked Grebe, a Black-necked Grebe, a Slavonian Grebe and another small grebe that went unidentified. In addition, a Long-tailed Duck, a… - 9th December 2024
An overcast day, with blustery north-easterly winds and a high of eight degrees C. Seawatching again proved the main staple, with the Observatory and South Landing receiving good coverage from first light until early afternoon. Perhaps the most notable was a count of 459 Puffins moving north; this smashed the… - 8th December 2024Storm 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 2024Overcast 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,…
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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!