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 and details of studies.

The wealth of opportunity available to the casual enthusiast is tremendous, and its not confined to seabirds. 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 Leachs Petrel, Balearic Shearwater, Grey Phalarope and Sabines Gull.

E-mail the Observatory - machobservatory@yahoo.com
Telephone the Observatory - 07737 985874 - David Millward (Warden)
Map Location - OS sheet 68: NR608209

If you have records of birds in the Kintyre area that you would like to share please email them to :-