Machrihanish Wildlife

For an unparalleled wildlife experience with superb bird watching and spectacular scenery, Machrihanish offers what is arguably the very best of Kintyre.

Built in 1993 by local men Eddie Maguire and John McGlynn, the purpose-built sea watching hide at Uisaed Point, Machrihanish, provides shelter that allows watchers to continue their observation / studies even during the worst weather and albeit the best sea watching conditions.

Thanks to the dedication of the wardens the Observatory has become the focus of bird watching activity in Kintyre and arrangements regarding its future management are secure.

The Machrihanish 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.
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.

In addition to Feral Goat’s and the usual wildlife found in this type of countryside, 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.

Since 2021 and the sad passing of Eddie Maguire, the Observatory is now looked after by Warden David Millward with the assistance of Jo Goudie and Victoria Russell.

E-mail the Observatory

Machrihanish Seabird / Wildlife Observatory Facebook Page

Website
Lossit Park,
Machrihanish,
Nr Campbeltown,
Argyll,
PA28 6PZ

Telephone the Observatory – 07737 985874 – David Millward (Warden)
Map Location – OS sheet 68: NR608209

All photographs on this page by Eddie Maguire.