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
- 12th February 2025Overcast throughout, with relatively light north-essterly winds and a high of five degrees C. There was no sign of yesterday’s Scaup at Thornwick Lakes, where the Little Grebe and 13 Tufted Ducks remained. Nearby, 113 Teal were on Thornwick Pools. Forty Corn Buntings overflew RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
- 11th February 2025Overcast, with a strong east-north-easterly wind and a high of five degrees C. The 18-strong flock of White-fronted Geese remained alongside North Marine Road. A Red Kite overflew the village, while the Scaup relocated to Thornwick Lakes. Sixty Corn Buntings was the best at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
- 10th February 2025A dull day, with a heavy overcast and spells of light rain; it also felt chilly, with a high of five degrees C feeling much less in blustery easterly winds. The 18 White-fronted Geese and eight Egyptian Geese continued in residence, as did the female Scaup. Following a lack of…
- 9th February 2025Overcast, with moderate east-north-easterly winds and a maximum of six degrees C. Wildfowl interest included 18 White-fronted Geese, eight Egyptian Geese, a female Scaup, a drake Shoveler and 70 Wigeon. In addition, a Red Kite drifted over Mid Dykes before eventually flying south-west, while a lone Shelduck headed north-west at…
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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.
The headland won the accolade of being the birdwatching site of the year by ‘Site of the Year’ title, in Birdwatch magazine’s Birders’ Choice Awards for 2021 and again after a stellar year in 2024. It is a testament to the work on the headland, together with our partners at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, in relation to conservation, public engagement and not least the field work of those who monitor bird populations and provide daily bird news updates.
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!