Tickets available for Flamborough Bird Observatory fundraiser
Flamborough Bird Observatory (FBO) is hosting an evening with Dr Robert Flood, as they raise funds for their Observatory Seawatch Appeal. The talk, and raffle that follows, takes place on Saturday 29 September at The Bridlington Links Golf Club, with proceeds going towards the planned building of a clifftop observatory, which will allow safe recording of seabird passage past the North Sea headland.
Following the precarious state of many traditional vantage points at Flamborough, a purpose-built shelter is required in order to continue the 40-year long tradition of studying seabird migration at the site. Over the last two years, various organisations have worked together to identify a suitable site and, subsequently, East Yorkshire Council’s Planning Committee gave the project the green light in spring 2018.
The shelter will be situated on the cliff top near the Fog Station and provide a safe location for locals, visitors and school parties to study the passage of birds and cetaceans. In total, the building’s construction will cost £46,000. The observatory's fundraising efforts got off to a fantastic start when they secured a £26,000 Landfill Tax grant, and an additional £8,000 has been pledged by observatory members.
As a result, a remaining £12,000 is needed to bring the project to fruition, and attending the talk by Dr Robert Flood – who recently wrote a detailed account of the latest Scilly pelagic season for BirdGuides – is a great way to help the observatory. Tickets cost £10 (£8 for FBO members), and booking is essential – contact Tony Hood for more details.
