The Isle of May hosts Scotland’s oldest bird observatory, founded in 1934. The observatory is administered by a charitable trust (The Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Trust) and manned by visiting volunteer observers between March and November. The Observatory was founded by a group of young Scottish ornithologists and has continued to depend on the enthusiasm of amateurs who come to the island, usually for a week at a time, to maintain observations. The accommodation, for up to 6 people, is housed within the Low Light, a former navigational lighthouse. It can be booked, at a modest cost, by anyone who is willing to contribute to recording the birds and wildlife of the island. Find out how to stay, or visit the island, on the HOW TO VISIT page
The island, sitting 5 miles off the Fife coast in eastern Scotland, is a National Nature Reserve, owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage and is internationally important for its populations of breeding seabirds, particularly Puffins Fratercula arctica. SNH maintain an excellent blog about their work. The island is a major landmark from many coastal locations in eastern Scotland sitting at the mouth of the Firth of Forth. It is best seen from the Fife coast where it dominates the seascapes from the fishing villages of the East Neuk; Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem.
The Island is known for its attraction of migrating birds and is well placed to receive “falls” of migrants in spring and autumn and the observatory visitiors record the movement of birds through the island including ringing them to learn more about their migration. Explore this website further to learn more about the observatory, the island and its birds and how to visit the island or contribute to the work of the bird observatory.
RECENT NEWS
04/07/2025 Refurbishment and repair of Low Light chimneys : Following several winters of challenging storms, and in conjunction with a major upgrade of the Low Light roof last year, the chimneys at the Low Light were given significant repair and refurbishment this year. The works were completed this spring and included the replacement of some poor, older, concrete repairs, which had been in place for over 50 years. The replacement with hand- cut and shaped sandstone blocks is a major improvement. Hopefully the chimney stonework and roofs will last for many years to come, through the expected challenges of future storms!
The Trust give sincere thanks to the AEB Charitable Trust for their generous financial support for this project.
26/03/2025: The Isle of May Records Committee has updated its list of bird species requiring descriptions or further details. This includes recent additions of species moving from SBRC and development of a new second tier list of birds, which are rare in an island context. Groups staying at the observatory are advised to familiarise themselves with the list to ensure they can complete and submit any required descriptions promptly to ensure they complete all required activities for their stay. More information here
24/03/2025: Season on the May opens with arrival of a two-week work party to set up the obs for the season ahead. Work to repair traps and prepare the accommodation after its winter close down is targeted. Thanks to the volunteer teams involved!
You can join the Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust here,
support us with a donation here,
or renew your membership here.
The Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Scottish Charity Number SC001783
Isle of May Bird Observatory 
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