Contributing towards a most valuable & vital national picture of our wildlife
Landguard Bird Observatory
Nestled at the scenic southern edge of Felixstowe, Suffolk, the Landguard Bird Observatory (LBO) is an independent organisation powered by passion.
Run by the registered charity, Landguard Conservation Trust, the observatory flourishes with the dedication of its members, volunteers, and supporters. If wildlife and conservation spark your curiosity, LBO invites you to become part of its vibrant community.
What happens at the Bird Observatory?
At LBO, nature takes centre stage.
The observatory is devoted to documenting and preserving the biodiversity of the Landguard Peninsula. Each day, meticulous bird counts and ringing studies are carried out, while every wildlife sighting is recorded. From March to December, moth traps illuminate the nocturnal life of this unique habitat. All of this vital data is compiled into annual reports and shared with key organisations to advance local and national conservation efforts.
Here, every bird ringed and every observation logged brings us closer to uncovering nature’s stories and protecting the avian world.
Bird ringing studies & monitoring
Bird ringing and monitoring are at the heart of what we do. By fitting birds with lightweight, uniquely numbered rings, researchers unlock a world of discovery.
- Follow Migration Marvels: Witness the awe-inspiring journeys of birds across continents. Ringing reveals migration routes, stopover sites, and wintering grounds.
- Track Population Trends: Monitoring provides a clear picture of species’ health, population changes, and conservation needs.
- Gauge Habitat Quality: Assess the breeding success and well-being of bird populations, offering crucial insights into the health of their ecosystems.
- Decode Climate Change: Birds are nature’s sentinels, reflecting shifts in our environment. Monitoring helps decode these changes and their wider effects.
The Benefits of Bird Ringing and Monitoring
- Conservation: Informing strategies that protect endangered species and their habitats.
- Awareness: Engaging people with the challenges birds face, fostering deeper appreciation for wildlife.
- Collaboration: Contributing to international databases, connecting conservationists worldwide in a shared mission.
More winged magic – moths!
The magic doesn’t stop with birds! LBO’s moth trapping efforts run from March to December, helping paint a vibrant picture of the peninsula’s nocturnal biodiversity. Daily moth recordings reveal species diversity, track population changes, and offer vital indicators of environmental health. The annual reports generated from this data enrich local and national studies, spotlighting the significance of these fascinating creatures.
Curious about the moth species recorded at LBO? Visit our Systematic List of Moths to explore more.
Interested in finding out more?
The Landguard Bird Observatory website is your go-to resource for all things LBO! From wildlife studies and ringing totals to membership options and recent sightings, the site keeps you informed and inspired. You’ll also find practical details like directions, policies, and contact information, along with links to partner organisations like the Bird Observatories Council and Landguard Trust.
Keep a beady eye out for news of recent sightings
Our daily sightings are displayed live on the observatory blackboard, just beyond the Reserve entrance gates. Don’t forget your binoculars to make the most of your visit!
Can’t make it in person? No problem! Check out our regularly updated Recent Sightings & News section on the website. For real-time updates, follow us at @landguardbo.bsky.social.
Read LBO BlogsWhen can I visit the Bird Observatory at Landguard?
Access to the Landguard Bird Observatory is reserved for members or during organised events. If you’re passionate about birdwatching, becoming a member is the perfect way to enjoy unlimited access while supporting vital conservation work.
Membership Perks
– Year-round supervised access to the Bird Observatory Compound.
– Visits arranged in advance by emailing landguardbo@yahoo.co.uk.
– Early mornings for peak bird activity; afternoons for insects in the neighbouring nature reserve.
Your membership directly funds the conservation work of the Landguard Conservation Trust. New members are warmly welcomed—just complete a mandatory Health and Safety Induction and a site tour.
To join, download the membership form and email it to landguardbomembership@gmail.com or post it to the observatory.
