Subscribe to RBA Online today for just £34.99 and we will donate £5.00 from every subscription to the new Fair Isle Observatory Appeal
 

 
 
About the appeal

For sixty years, the Fair Isle Bird Observatory has welcomed visitors. Many come for the birdlife, but all leave with lasting memories of island life. The Observatory is the lynchpin of Fair Isle's fragile economy. The welcome, the work and the way of life are closely linked, and unique to Fair Isle. Let's not lose them.

We need to build a new Observatory, to open in 2010. It will be a modern, eco-friendly place for you to stay and for scientists and students to continue their long-term research on Fair Isle's migratory and resident birds, including the island's precious seabirds.

It will cost £4 million, over a quarter of which has already been pledged by Shetland Islands Council. Other public funds are being sought, but the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust needs to raise £1.5 million through individual donations. The Trust is an independent charity, which is totally self-funded and reliant on revenue from visitors. We're appealing for your help.
 
Why are we supporting the appeal?

Since Rare Bird Alert was set up in 1991 our customers have been travelling to Fair Isle for rarities and over the years it has produced some real gems.  In recent times Citril Finch (2008), Caspian Plover (2008), Brown Flycatcher (2008), Siberian Rubythroat (2005), Rufous-tailed Robin (2004), Chestnut-eared Bunting (2004), Thick-billed Warbler (2003), Savannah Sparrow (2003) have all been found on the island.  And looking a little further back birds such as Blackburnian Warbler (1985), Tennessee Warbler (two in 1975), Sandhill Crane (1981), Bimaculated Lark (1976) and Steller's Eider (1971) are birds which have occurred on Fair Isle which would get the pulses racing of many a birder should any of them turn up again.  FIBO has a long history of quickly releasing news of rarities and are always accommodating to birders travelling to see rarities.  We see the studies they carry out on migrants as well as seabird population as invaluable and we want to do all we can to support their appeal.

So we are delighted to donate £5.00 from every online subscription we get to the new observatory appeal and your subscription to RBA Online will help secure the future of one of Britain's Ornithological jewels.