Copeland Islands Birdwatching Camp

Copeland Islands Birdwatching Camp

June 9^th – 11^th
Copeland Bird Observatory

The Observatory lies off the County Down coast on Old Lighthouse Island, or the ‘Bird Isle’, as it is known locally. 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 amateur ornithologists.

The Island is an excellent place for newcomers to birdwatching. It is the only place in Northern Ireland where rare passerines turn up with any regularity. Visitors can participate in the trapping and ringing of birds and get a chance to see them at close quarters. The island has been closed to the public for the last 3 years and has only just opened up again.

Accommodation

There is accommodation for up to 23 overnight visitors in the converted ruins of the old lighthouse. There are four bedrooms (two dormitory-style and two family rooms) a self-catering kitchen, a comfortable lounge and a flush toilet.

When staying overnight you should bring a sleeping bag, a sturdy torch with a strong beam, warm and waterproof clothing and food. We will organise and cook our food together.

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.

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.

Cost

£140 or £125 (low income). Payment in instalments possible. This includes the return boat trip, 2 nights accommodation in the bunkhouse and food. Numbers are limited to 10.

Birds on Copeland

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 sometimes visible in the beam from the lighthouse on nearby Mew Island.

A post from end of May last year – ‘The Copeland Puffins are getting very confident & have been providing some fantastic views at our East Hide - even walking around the roof. Although now established as a breeding bird, pairs still remain low but we are hoping this is the year we finally see a Copeland puffling (They often fledge at night)’

Activities

The Duty Officer joining us for the weekend is Kez Armstrong. She will be ringing birds while we are there and will show us how this is done and the records they keep. I have offered our services to help in whatever way we can…that might be a litter pick, some basic repairs or some path clearing. There will also be plenty of opportunity for bird watching, taking photos, seaweed foraging, seal spotting and swimming.