Bird Observatory

The Portland Bird Observatory is housed in the Old Lower Light at Portland Bill. It was established in 1961 to provide a focal point and accommodation for anyone interested in the natural environment of Portland.
The origins of the Observatory date from pioneering work by Dr. Ken Rooke and friends who began studying bird migration at the Bill in 1951. For a decade these stalwarts had to endure temporary accommodation in caravans, the RN Wireless Station, and even underground premises at Southwell, before, thanks to the generosity of Miss Helen Brotherton, they were able to settle permanently at the Old Lower Light.

Recording & Research:
By virtue of its geographical position, extending some six miles out into the English Channel, the Isle of Portland has proved to be a site of major importance for the study of bird migration.
The daily census of migrant and resident birds, undertaken since the inception of the Observatory, is one of the most important facets of the work there, and one that relies to a great extent on the contribution of the visitors to the centre. These records summarised each year in the

Observatory annual report, offer a valuable insight into bird migration and changes in population
A programme of bird ringing is carried out by the warden and suitably qualified helpers, to aid research into the migration, biometrics, populations, and longevity of birds. To date over 150,000 birds of 200 species have been ringed, with subsequent recoveries from, for example, as far North as Norway, Finland, and as far South as Ghana and Nigeria.

Portland, of course, provides tremendous scope for a variety of other natural history studies, many of which are catered for at the Centre. the particularly varied and unusual flora is of interest, not only in its own right, but also for the insects it supports. Moth traps have been operated in the Observatory grounds for many years, these have revealed not only a peculiar local fauna rich in many nationally rare indigenous species, but also a wealth of rare immigrants - so far over 1100 species of moth have been recorded.

Membership:
Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre is an independent organisation and a registered charity. You are invited to support our work by becoming a member of Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre. Membership entitles you to receive the annual report and regular newsletters, to attend the Annual General Meeting, to use the facilities available at the Centre, and to reduced accommodation charges at the Centre.

Membership subscription rates:

Individual: �10, Under 18 and Student under 21; �5 Family; �16