Machrihanish Seabird and Wildlife Observatory - For an unparalleled wildlife experience with superb bird watching and spectacular scenery, Machrihanish offers what is arguably the very best of Kintyre.

For an unparalleled wildlife experience with superb bird watching and spectacular scenery, Machrihanish offers what is arguably the very best of Kintyre. The establishment of the purpose-built sea watching hide provides shelter for sea watchers so that observation / studies can take place during the worst weather, yet best sea watching conditions. The Observatory has become the focus of bird watching activity in Kintyre and arrangements regarding its future management are secure.

The Seabird Observatory is still developing its potential as a prime wildlife watch point and tourist attraction and much awareness and excitement associated with the marine environment is now enjoyed by growing numbers of visitors (2,700+ in 2006).

At this exciting base, visitors can obtain assistance with identification, information about recent sightings, details of studies and advice on ‘digiscoping’ (the art of taking high magnification images with a digital camera attached to a telescope).

The wealth of opportunity available to the casual enthusiast is tremendous –and it’s not confined to seabirds.

How to get there:

Machrihanish is about six miles west of Campbeltown, Kintyre (B843). The Seabird / Wildlife Observatory is well signposted from the village and is about a mile west of the Golf Club.

There is wheelchair access and ample parking. You are very welcome to visit the Observatory - Open daily from Easter to October.

Look for our flagpole on the point!!!

Ordnance Survey Sheet 68 (NR628209).

About us:

This sparsely populated area has a diverse range of habitats that provide a wealth of possibilities throughout the year. Birdlife is abundant and varied and the range recorded in this well-watched area now stands at just over 200 species including regular rarities such as Leach’s Petrel, Balearic Shearwater, Grey Phalarope and Sabine’s Gull.

During spring and autumn, a dawn inspection of the area will provide opportunities to appreciate the ornithological riches associated with the migration periods. However, an understanding of weather patterns and tidal flows and their consequent effect on birds and animals is the key to successful results.

Uisaed Point is a classic and at times an awe-inspiring promontory to witness visible migration and occasional mass movements of seabirds. Regular Atlantic depressions frequently produce the right conditions to view and record detailed information about ocean-going species and coasting migratory landbirds. Situated at the southern end of Machrihanish Bay, this low promontory juts well out into the Atlantic. The configuration of the coast to the north presents a long leading line (17 km from Glenacardoch Point) ensuring – when conditions are right – a steady passage of birds just after dawn. Throughout autumn, the southerly progression of seabirds, waterfowl, waders and passerines brings many species close to, and often over, the point as they exit from the bay, thus affording superb views.

Otters are seen regularly and Grey and Common Seals are a well-known major attraction. Basking Sharks and cetaceans (Minke Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin and Common Porpoise) are occasional, migrant waders frequently swirl around the point and raptors including Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin and Hen Harrier regularly patrol the adjacent uplands dominated by impressive contours of Skerry Fell Fad and Cnoc Moy (the highest hill in south Kintyre.

The front aspect of the Observatory is orientated to the North-West and incorporates ramps, an extra-wide door and knee projection space so that the wheel-chair user can get close to an armrest.

Landmarks that can be seen from the Observatory include the War Memorial at Glenbarr (10 miles to the North / North-East), the top of Davaar Island (8 miles to the east), Altnacarry Lighthouse (the East Light) on Rathlin Island (16 miles to the west / south-west) and the American Monument on the Mull of Oa, Islay (20 miles to the North-West).