Copeland Islands Birdwatching Camp 2024

The Observatory lies off the County Down coast on Old Lighthouse Island. It is one of the British Bird Observatories and is directed and serviced by the British Trust for Ornithology. Its main aim is the collection of data on migratory and breeding birds, which may be used for their general conservation. It is operated on a part-time basis by local ornithologists.

The most important bird on the island is the Manx Shearwater. Ringing Manx Shearwaters began back in the 1950s when the colony probably contained only a few hundred birds. Over the years, and especially the last twenty, the colony has grown at a remarkable rate until there are now well over two thousand pairs present. Visiting the colony at night when the adult birds come in to feed their young is a very exciting experience. Their weird ‘cackling’ calls fill the air as they fly low over the surface of the island and come into land beside the old rabbit burrows they use as nests. Under supervision from licensed bird ringers, we catch and hold these amazing birds while they are tagged, helping with the collection of data about these amazing birds, before they start their long non-stop flight to Argentina.

Many other birds breed on the island including puffins, oyster catchers, guillemots, terns and gulls. There is also a huge seal colony, beautiful wildflowers and amazing sunsets. So come and join us, it really is an incredible experience.

Accommodation

There is accommodation for overnight visitors in the converted ruins of the old lighthouse. There are two dormitory-style rooms with bunkbeds, a large self-catering kitchen, a comfortable lounge with open fire and a flush toilet.  When staying overnight you should bring a sleeping bag, ear plugs, a head torch, warm and waterproof clothing and food. We will organise and cook our food together.  There is very good (4G) mobile phone service on the Island and a small number of solar powered plug sockets are available (weather depending!) to charge mobile phones.

This camp is not suitable for women with limited mobility, as we need to walk up a steep path to get to the bunkhouse, carrying all our gear, food and water. A Duty Officer from the Copeland Bird Observatory will be accompanying us to the Island. It is essential that everyone follows his/her instructions about where not to walk on the island, as there are so many ground nesting birds that we do not want to disturb. There may also be one or two researchers staying on the island at this time.

The boat departs and returns to Donaghadee marina. Lifts are available from Belfast if needed. Being on an island, there is always a slight possibility of having to stay longer due to bad weather. It is much safer to stay on the Island than to bring a boat out in bad weather.

Cost

£140 or £120 (low income). Payment in instalments possible. This includes the return boat trip, 2 nights accommodation in the bunkhouse and food.  Numbers are limited to 9 and will sell out fast.

Cancellations

If the weekend is cancelled by the organiser due to poor weather or similar, a full refund will be given.  If you cancel, for whatever reason, a refund will only be given if we can resell your ticket.