Dungeness Bird Observatory

On the shingle headland of Dungeness on the Kent coast, England, Dungeness Bird Observatory has been tracking migratory birds for over seventy years — making it, notably, a bird observatory rather than an astronomical one.

About Dungeness Bird Observatory

The observatory carries out long-term monitoring and ringing of migratory bird species, and has done so continuously since it was founded on March 30, 1952.

History

It was established through the cooperation of the Kent Ornithological Society, The Nature Conservancy, the London Natural History Society, the Hastings Natural History Society, and the RSPB. Bird ringing has taken place daily since 1952, originally using up to nine Heligoland traps.

Research

Activity peaks during spring migration (March–May) and again in late July through early November as autumn migration passes through. The observatory continues to operate as an active centre for ornithological research today.

Location & getting there

Dungeness Bird Observatory is located on the Kent coast in England, in the Europe region, on the exposed shingle headland of Dungeness.

Visiting Dungeness Bird Observatory

Check the official website for current opening arrangements, ringing demonstrations, and seasonal migration highlights before visiting.

See your named star from here

Dungeness's flat, open headland and famously dark skies make it a well-known spot for stargazing as well as birdwatching, even though the observatory itself is dedicated to birds rather than stars. If you've named a star with star-register, its coordinates can help you find it from a clear coastal sky like this one — start at /#packages or explore the star catalogue.