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.

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.