There are currently 16 recognised Bird Observatories in Britain and Ireland.  These have played a major role in ornithology, especially in the study of migration and bird movements.

The observatories are primarily concerned with the study of bird movements and migration. The work involves detailed daily counting of birds within the observatory area and ringing of migrants as well as observing sea-bird movements.

Bird Observatories have played a major role in ornithology, especially in the study of migration and bird movements. The Bird Observatories Council (BOC) was formed in 1970 as a forum for discussion between observatories and the BTO and to undertake research projects. The first observatory was set up in 1933, by Ronald Lockley on the Welsh island of Skokholm. Since then observatories have been set up around the coastline of Britain and Ireland.

Observatories can be really exciting places to visit. If the weather conditions are right then birds could be everywhere! Visitors to observatories can get involved in some of these studies and thus make a valuable contribution to their work. Find out how to contact them from the BTO's Bird Observatories web page.

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Migration Watch is organised jointly by the BTO and BirdWatch Ireland
Contact Migration Watch    Last updated 20 January, 2004

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