Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 3rd June 2020

A change in weather as predicted with the wind picking up in strength and temperature dropping.
Four Spoonbills, an adult and three juveniles, were on the Broadwater during the morning and other species noted during the day included Hobby, Cuckoo, Barn Owl and Black-tailed Godwit (5).

Moth species trapped over night included Willow Beauty, Straw Dot, Snout, Dog's Tooth and Campion.

Snout

Dog's Tooth

Campion

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Holkham Freshmarsh still +Great White Egret
Norfolk possible Black Kite flew west over Wereham at 10.49am [seen from moving vehicle]
Norfolk 15.Common Cranes y'day Hickling Broad NWT tho mobile
Norfolk Garganey y'day Buckenham Marshes RSPB still
Norfolk Little Stint Hickling Broad NWT still on Rush Hill Scrape from Weavers' Way +Great White Egret

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 2nd June 2020

Once again a Spoonbill was present on the Broadwater early morning and a Barn Owl was noted hunting at the back of the grazing marsh. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling, signally presumably the start of a second brood, and a recently fledged Cetti's Warbler was caught and ringed.

Moths caught today included Sharp-angled Peacock, Angle Shades, Small and Large Elephant Hawk Moths, Tawny Barred Angle and Fox Moth.

Female Fox Moth

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk 6.Crossbills flew south over Irstead at 11.40am
Norfolk Garganey y'day Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS flew east over Brancaster Staithe at 10.55am then lost to view
Norfolk Little Stint Hickling Broad NWT still on Rush Hill Scrape from Weavers' Way
Norfolk Quail male singing y'day Great Massingham at airfield in crop at 10.58pm

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 1st June 2020

Another fine, dry and sunny day with a persistent easterly breeze. A Spoonbill flew east just south of the Broadwater and a Greeshank flew over calling. 2 Cuckoos were around the reserves. A family of 15 Shelduck (thirteen small ducklings) was on the Broadwater and a family of Stonechats was around the Observatory mid afternoon.

Shelduck family on Broadwater

In the moth traps a Tawny Barred Angle, 2 Ferns, a Purple Bar, Green Carpet, 2 Pine Hawks, a Privet Hawk, 18 Cinnabars, 5 Marbled Minor sp, Common Carpet, The Rustic, a Breckland Plume, 3 Bordered Whites, 3 Heart & Darts, a Turnip, 2 White Ermines, a Small Elephant Hawk moth, Brown Rustic, 3 Sand Darts, 2 Treble Lines, a Pale Tussock, Vine's Rustic, 2 Mottled Rustic and a Common Pug were caught.

Below: Privet and Pine Hawk, Pale Tussock and Tawny Barred Angle

Butterflies were predominantly Small Heaths, and 2 Azure Damselflies, 3 Large Red Damselflies and 4 Four-spotted Chasers were counted around the pond.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk still no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall by mid a'noon
Norfolk 5.Turtle Doves Snettisham Coastal Park still
Norfolk White Stork Breydon Water South Wall early a'noon
Norfolk Wood Sand Hickling Broad NWT
Norfolk still no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall by 11am. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk still no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall by 9am. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s.male flew south over Breydon Water at 7.14am
Norfolk no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall 5.30-7.20am. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 31st May 2020

Another lovely sunny day with a brisk east-north-east wind. On the sea today 5 Eider flew close inshore, 2 adult Gannets, 12 Little Terns, 63 Sandwich Terns and 3 Common Terns were counted. At least 2 Cuckoos were calling, and a movement of 30+ Sand Martins east was noted during the afternoon. Also seen were 6 Swallows, 13 House Martins, 2+ Cetti's Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 10 Whitethroats, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Stonechats and a Bullfinch.

In the moth traps 18 Cinnabars, a Willow Beauty, 2 Sand Darts, a Freyer's Pug, Green Carpet, Small Waved Umber, Smoky Wainscot, White Point, Vine's Rustic, Mottled Rustic, Heart & Dart, Brown Rustic, Flame Shoulder and a Treble Lines were caught.

Below: Willow Beauty and White Point

Butterflies included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Common Blue, Green Hairstreak and Speckled Wood. Azure and Large Red Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Hairy Hawker and 2 Black-tailed Skimmers were also seen during the day.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Turtle Dove Salthouse Heath early a'noon
Norfolk released White Stork (blue-ringed) Horsey in flight SW of Horsey Mill at 2.05pm
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON ad still 12.32pm 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall flew north along Bayfield Lake. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON ad still 11.30am 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall midway along lake opposite chapel +showing well. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk possible Bonaparte's Gull 1s Buckenham Marshes RSPB then flew over River Yare
Norfolk Spoonbill Hickling Broad NWT still from path to Stubb Mill
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON ad.fem Hickling Broad NWT still 7.30am
Norfolk Hoopoe West Runton flew SE over paddocks at Water Lane at 6.30am
Norfolk Quail male singing south of Bawburgh in field at 2am
Norfolk Hoopoe Sheringham flew SW over west end of golf course towards Weybourne at 7am

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 30th May 2020

Yet another sunny day but with a brisk east-north-east breeze. A single Spoonbill was asleep south of Broadwater Road early morning and a Whimbrel came up off the grazing marsh. A Med Gull flew over calling and 2 Sand Martins, 4 Swallows, a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat and 6 Whitethroats were around the reserve.

In the moth traps it was relatively quiet but 20 Cinnabar, White Ermine, Vine's Rustic, 6 Treble Lines, 3 Mottled Rustics, 2 Sand Darts, 3 Small Elephant Hawks, a Yellow Belle, Angle Shades, Brown Rustic, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Heart & Dart were caught.

Butterflies were similarly sparse with the cold winds, but 2 Green Hairstreaks, 4 Small Heaths and a Red Admiral were recorded today.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk repeat: SQUACCO HERON ad 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall at SE end of lake at 2.41pm. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON ad 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall at SE end of lake at 2.41pm. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON ad.fem Hickling Broad NWT still 1.29pm over reedbed near Bittern Hide
Norfolk Purple Heron Hickling Broad NWT flew west over Rush Hill Scrape viewed from Weavers' Way at 11.35am
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON fem Hickling Broad NWT still flew over visitor centre at 11.10am (+released White Stork (blue-ringed) still)
Norfolk released White Stork (blue-ringed) Hickling Broad flew NNW over Rush Hill Scrape at 10.40am
Norfolk released White Stork (blue-ringed) Filby flew over road at 9.59am

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 29th May 2020

Another beautiful day, the highlights today were 4 Little Terns, 28 Sandwich Terns and 2 Common Terns passing offshore, a Turtle Dove, 2 Cuckoos, 5 Swifts, a Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 7 Sedge Warblers, and 3 Reed Warblers. A family of young Moorhens was on the Broadwater, and a single Brent Goose was at Thornham.

Moths were 2 Bordered Whites, 5 Cinnabars, a Small Elephant Hawk, Sharp-angled Peacock, 2 Lyme Grass, 4 Treble Lines, a Flame Shoulder, Common Marbled Carpet, Breckland Plume, 4 Mottled Rustic, 2 Sand Darts, a Middle-barred Minor, 2 White Ermine, a Vine's Rustic, the Flame, a Muslin, Pine Hawk, a Broad-barred White and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

Below: Lyme Grass and Broad-barred White

Butterflies included 2 Green Hairstreaks, 2 Brown Argus and 4 Small Heath, and two Four-spotted Chasers, 4 Azure Damselflies and 4 Large Red Damselflies were counted.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk FRANKLIN'S GULL reported y'day Hickling Broad NWT
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON fem Hickling Broad NWT still this a'noon
Norfolk White Stork west of Ludham still 1.50pm north of Johnson Street on roof at bottom of Turf Fen Lane. View from river bank just south of How Hill
Norfolk Great White Egret Hickling Broad NWT still
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Turtle Dove on Wednesday Sidestrand
Norfolk probable Temminck's Stint y'day Breydon Water flew past North Wall at 7.42pm then flew high south

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 28th May 2020

Another dry and sunny day with a cooling breeze. A Common Tern was flying over the Broadwater and 3 Sand Martins were feeding above the pines. A Red Kite drifted over west mobbed by Shelduck, and a summer plumage Golden Plover was still south of the River Hun. The Cuckoo was calling id morning from the back of Drove Orchard, and a young Stonechat was near the Observatory in the afternoon.

A female Black-tailed Skimmer was directed out of the Heligoland trap and around the pond 4 Large Red and 3 Azure Damselflies were counted. Butterflies included Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Brown Argus and a single Green Hairstreak.

In the moth traps a White Point, 13 Cinnabar, Shuttle-shaped Dart, 6 Small Elephant Hawks, 2 Treble Lines, a Sand Dart, 3 White Ermines, 6 Mottled Rustics, a Heart and Dart, a Swallow Prominent, Angle Shades, Iron Prominent, Common Wainscot, 2 Brown Rustics and a Rosy Wave.

The Emperor Moth caterpillars continue to grow apace:

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk 15+Common Cranes Hickling Broad NWT +1w.Spoonbill
Norfolk White Stork flew over Hickling Broad NWT at 2.30pm
Norfolk 2.Turtle Doves Alderford Common
Norfolk Great White Egret Hickling Broad NWT still
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Burnham Overy Marshes over pool east of track to dunes mid morning
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON fem Hickling Broad NWT still west of Horsey Mere tho distant

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 27th May 2020

A rather quiet day bird wise, with single Barn Owl, Red Kite and Mediterranean Gull the best of the bunch. The moth trap was once again productive with over forty species recorded.
Moths included Blood-vein(2), Knotgrass (2), Latticed Heath, Burnished Brass and Willow Beauty.

Blood-vein

Burnished Brass

A familiar sight on the marsh now days, a Chinese Water Deer.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Garganey Buckenham Marshes RSPB still
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON still Hickling Broad NWT

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesady 26th May 2020

A pleasantly calm, warm and sunny day at the Obs. Birds of note on and around the Broad-water included a single Spoonbill and a Common Sandpiper. The moth traps were again productive with 44 species caught, which included Elephant and Small Elephant Hawk moths, Pale Tussock and Sandy Carpet. A non-moth addition to the catch was a rather smart and impressive Cockchafer.

Cockchafer

 

Common Sandpiper

Elephant Hawk moths



Pale Tussock



Sandy Carpet

 Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON fem Hickling Broad NWT still 12.55pm flew east over Weavers' Way midway between Rush Hill Scrape +Potter Heigham Marshes
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON Hickling Broad NWT still mid morning over marsh along trail to Bittern Hide
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s.male Cley over High Street at 10.20am then flew north
Norfolk Osprey y'day Wiveton at garden pond at c8.30pm
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON Hickling Broad NWT (present 2+days) (+Wood Sand Garganey)
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON Hickling Broad NWT flew north towards Swim Coots

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 25th May 2020

A beautiful bank holiday with light winds and sunshine throughout. Two Cuckoos were calling during the morning and 4 Cetti's Warblers were counted along the river Hun and Broadwater. Swifts were less numerous today but a Sand Martin, 6 Swallows and 10 House Martins were counted, with 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 11 Whitethroats, 13 Sedge Warblers and 2 Reed Warblers also seen. A Whimbrel flew over calling.

A healthy catch of moths today included 23 Cinnabars, 5 Small Elephant Hawks, a Chinese Character, Knot Grass, 2 Bordered Whites, 3 Green Carpets, a Willow Beauty, Small Magpie, 2 Common Marbled Carpet, 2 Sharp-angled Peacocks, 1 Brown Rustic, 2 Fern, 6 Common Wainscot, a Flame Shoulder, 11 White Ermine, 4 Mottled Rustic, a Breckland Plume, 3 Setaceous Hebrew Characters, a Swallow Prominent, 6 Treble Lines, 3 Yellow Belles, a Pebble Prominent, 2 Bright-line Brown-eyes, a female Fox Moth, Pine and Privet Hawk Moths, Lyme Grass, Sand Dart and 2 Large Yellow Underwings.

Below: female Fox Moth, Pine Hawk and Fern moth

Hairy Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, Large Red and Azure Damselflies were around the pond today, and 2 Small Heath, 6 Brown Argus and 2 Green Hairstreaks were noted.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Turtle Dove Narborough Railway Cutting NWT late morning
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle ad flew NE over Mulbarton at 3.05pm
Norfolk Honey Buzzard Downham Market flew east over 2.Ryston End at 2.30pm
Norfolk 5.Turtle Doves Snettisham Coastal Park this morning +Spoonbill
Norfolk Osprey Cley NWT early a'noon then flew south along River Glaven

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 24th May 2020

Lighter winds today brought more birds and insects out into view. A Spoonbill was asleep on one leg near the Broadwater Hide, and a summer plumage Golden Plover was on the grazing marsh with 4 Black-tailed Godwits and a Whimbrel also noted. Over 100 Swifts were counted moving through with 15 Swallows and 20 House Martins also heading west, and a Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warblers and 5 Whitethroats also seen. A Black Swan was at the back of the marsh.

Moths were a little more numerous today too, with 2 Cinnabars, 4 Small Elephant Hawks, a Pebble Prominent, one Muslin, 3 White Ermine, 2 Heart & Dart, a Light Brocade, Brown Rustic, 2 Turnip Moths, a Sand Dart, one Mottled Rustic, Common Wainscot, 2 Flame Shoulder, Single Square Spot Miller and Northern Drab in the traps.

Around the pond a Hairy Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, 8 Large Red Damselflies, 2 Blue-tailed and 2 Azure Damselflies were counted, and butterflies included Brown Argus, Common Blue, Speckled Wood and Wall Brown.

Below: Light Brocade, Miller and Azure Damselfly

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes Cley NWT still 2.04pm viewed from picinc area by visitor centre
Norfolk Garganey drk Snettisham Coastal Park at NW end of Ken Hill Pools east of bund by footpath to Ken Hill Woods at 11.53am
Norfolk Grey-headed Wagtail male north of Felmingham in field at 9.45am then flew north

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 23rd May 2020

A windy day with variable cloud and a couple of much-needed showers! It was rather quiet today with 6 Common Terns and 20 Bar-tailed Godwits noted on the beach but very little moving offshore. Swifts were active over the grazing marshes again and a newly fledged family of Coal Tits was in the pines, with few warblers singing but Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler heard occasionally.

Insects were naturally fewer too in the strong winds, but in the traps a Buff Ermine, a Cinnabar, Small Elephant Hawk, Small Waved Umber, Muslin, Treble Lines, Fox Moth, Mottled Rustic, Smoky Wainscot, Swallow Prominent, White Colon and Silver Y were caught.

A Painted Lady was a true surprise near the west end of the reserve mid morning and a Wall Brown was also swept about, while a Four-spotted Chaser was around the pond again.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes over Bintree at c9.45am

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 22nd May 2020

A rough south-west wind kept many birds hunkered down, though sunshine dominated in the afternoon. A group of 11 Brent Geese flew east towards Thornham mid-morning and 2 Sandwich and 2 Common Terns flew west along the Broadwater. There was a marked passage of Swifts west during the day, with many seen over the pines and grazing marshes. Four Swallows and a House Martin were also noted around the village with Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroats, 7 Sedge and 2 Reed Warblers also seen.

Moths were the highlight of the day with 35 species recorded. There were singles of Poplar, Eyed and Privet Hawk, 6 Small Elephant Hawks, a male Fox Moth, Scalloped Hazel, a Flame Wainscot, 5 Sand Darts, an Iron Prominent, one White Colon, a Buff Tip, Grey Pine Carpet, Dark Brocade, 2 Brown Rustics and a Spectacle among the catch.

Below: Privet Hawk Moth, Scalloped Hazel, Fox Moth, Flame Wainscot

Butterflies were scarce in the strong winds but 8+ Brown Argus were counted and a Common Blue was of note as well. A Four-spotted Chaser was on the pond.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day

Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still

Norfolk Spoonbill Cley NWT on North Scrape

Norfolk Great White Egret Hickling Broad NWT still

Norfolk RED-THROATED PIPIT West Runton briefly c6.30am then flew west

'DON'T COME YET' PLEA FROM NORFOLK COAST

The NOA would urge anyone planning to come to the area over the bank holiday weekend to wait for a better time. Please see the press release below from Norfolk Coast Partnership:

Press release - for immediate release 21.05.20

‘Don’t come yet’ plea from Norfolk Coast

Severe lack of open car parks, toilets and catering facilities puts visitors and residents in the area of outstanding natural beauty at risk, Norfolk Coast Partnership says
 
Following the government’s announcement on Sunday, 10 May that people can ‘drive to other destinations’, the people, communities and wildlife of the Norfolk Coast are asking visitors not to visit at the present time to avoid an influx in visitors over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend.
With many car parks still closed; public conveniences closed; and businesses with conveniences also closed there is a severe lack of provision on the coast for visitors. There are fears that there will be traffic issues, and social distancing will be difficult to maintain.

Visitors to the Norfolk Coast are being urged to check the situation with car parks and toilets before travelling and, if deciding to travel, be considerate to the local communities by parking sensibly, ensuring litter and other waste is taken home, and maintaining social distancing.

It is also a critical time of year for ground nesting birds, which are just settling down to nest and, taking advantage of lack of footfall, are often nesting in places they may not normally. A sudden influx of visitors puts the fragile nature of the coast at risk, as well as the local communities that live and work here.

Organisations are working hard to put safety measures in place for social distancing, protecting wildlife and reopening provision such as toilets and car parks. Announcements will be made by individual organisations and businesses when this is the case via their websites and the media.

Estelle Hook, Manager of the Norfolk Coast Partnership said: "While it is not in the nature of the Norfolk Coast Partnership to encourage people to stay away, it is currently vital that we do so to ensure these special places are not overwhelmed."

"In many places on the coast there is not the infrastructure to support the necessary social distancing or to ensure that visitors have the facilities they would usually expect, such as car parks or toilets."

She added: "Partners across the coast have convened a working group to look at ways of making access as safe as possible going forward. The organisations responsible for looking after this wonderful coast continue to do so and are keen to welcome visitors back once facilities are open and working but at the present time it is safer to stay away."

 

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 21st May 2020

A few more birds today, with the day starting with two Spoonbills watched feeding on the Broadwater. A Little Ringed Plover flew over calling and Barn Owl was hunting at the back of the marsh. A sign of some migration, with a Spotted Flycatcher in the pines at the rear of the Obs and a male Ring Ouzel at the western end. Two Wheatears, presumably destined for more northern clines, appeared midday alighting briefly on the east bank.

Northern Wheatear

Spotted Flycatcher

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Raven just east of Wells at North Point in pig field south of A149 at 8.20am then flew west (for 2nd day)
Norfolk Golden Oriole flew west over West Runton at 6.08am
Norfolk no sign of fem.Woodchat Shrike Kelling north of A149 at Kelling Water Meadow by 7.45am (but male Quail singing in field west of track)

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 20th May 2020

A Spoonbill on the Broadwater and a Red Kite over the Grazing Marsh were the best bird wise today, with most activity grinding to a halt as the heat increased. The moth traps were again busy with 40 species recorded which included  Privet, Pine and Small Elephant Hawkmoths, Iron, Pebble and Swallow Prominents, Chocolate Tip and Spectacle. Only one Dragonfly was recorded, a Hairy Hawker.

Privet, and a well camouflaged Pine, Hawkmoth.

Hairy Hawker

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew over Thetford this a'noon
Norfolk Spoonbill Blakeney harbour on north side at 8.42am at low tide
Norfolk Cattle Egret Burnham Overy east of sea wall in cattle field with cattle before dunes
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 19th May 2020

A disappointingly quiet day bird wise, with a single Med Gull and a family of Stonechats on the East bank the most noteworthy news. The moth traps by comparison were busy, with 36 species of moth trapped which included four species of Hawkmoth: Eyed, Small Elephant, Pine and Lime, the latter looking particularly smart! Other insects around the reserve included several Four-spotted Chaser Dragonflies and Azure, Large Red and Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Lime Hawkmoth

Four-spotted Chaser

Azure Damselfly

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Common Crane over Sparham at 10.50am
Norfolk Common Crane Bowthorpe flew over Castleton Close at c11.25am
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes over Cringleford at 11.35am

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 18th May 2020

A breezy but warm day, with a Red Kite drifting low over the Observatory mid morning, 2 Cuckoos, 6 Swifts, 25 Swallows, 10 House Martins and 3 Yellow Wagtails passing overhead. Offshore 10 Sandwich Terns were fishing and around the recording area 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroats, 12 Sedge and 1 Reed Warbler were singing. A Bullfinch was in Holme village.

Moths were numerous today with 29 species in the traps. Highlights were 10 Small Elephant Hawks, 2 Eyed Hawks, a Poplar Hawk, 9 Cinnabar, 2 Buff Tips, 5 Muslin, a Coxcomb Prominent, 2 Dark Sword-grass, a Knot Grass, Pebble Prominent and a tardy Hebrew Character.

Top to bottom: Poplar Hawk Moth, Pebble Prominent, Coxcomb Prominent, Dark Sword-grass

Butterflies included Brimstone, 7 Brown Argus, 2 Small Heath, Peacock, Small White, 2 Common Blues and 5 Wall Browns.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Swallowtail butterfly Cley south of sewage works at 12.05pm
Norfolk Turtle Dove east of Wells at Blue Skies Campsite mid morning
Norfolk Little Gull 1s SE of Downham Market still at Wissington beet factory at 10.02am
Plantation at 6.40am but no further sign by 9.07am
Norfolk no sign of any Dotterel 1.5mls south of Titchwell at Choseley south of drying barns in field west of righthand bend in road by 8am

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 17th May 2020

A sunny day with a westerly breeze, birds of note today included two Hobbies out over the grazing marsh and a single Whimbrel south of the Hun. Three Cuckoos were heard and 15 Swifts, 20 Swallows and 10 House Martins were counted. Five Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Whitethroats 9 Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler were also recorded, and a Tree Pipit flew over calling.

There was a good range of moths overnight, with 19 Cinnabars, Vines and Mottled Rustic, 2 Northern Drabs, 3 Small Elephant Hawks, Brimstone, Eyed Hawk Moth, Buff Tip, Pine Beauty, Least Black Arches, Bordered White, 4 White Ermine, 2 Angle-barred Pug, 2 Green Carpets, a Small Waved Umber, 2 Breckland Plumes, Common Pug, Garden Pebble, 3 Treble Lines, 3 Heart and Darts, a Flame and a Dwarf Pug recorded.

Right: Dwarf Pug

Butterflies included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip, Wall Brown, Green-veined White and Common Blue.

An Azure Damselfly was on the edge of the village.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Purple Heron 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes flew NW near old windmill at 2.25pm +lost to view. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 2.Dotterel reported still 1.5mls south of Titchwell at Choseley south of drying barns in field west of righthand bend in road this morning but no further sign
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Burnham Overy Dunes at 1st big pool by track at 12.22pm
Norfolk Garganey drk Buckenham Marshes RSPB still 10.50am
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON ad.male y'day Hemsby at Long Beach Estate flew in off sea
Norfolk Temminck's Stint just east of Wells still at North Point Pools by track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance at 9.25am (+2+Wood Sands still). Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway stn TF.932.431
Norfolk BLACK KITE Salthouse flew SSW over saltmarsh between Meadow Lane +Gramborough Hill at 8.55am
Norfolk 3.Dotterel (2.fems) y'day 1.5mls south of Titchwell at Choseley south of drying barns in field west of righthand bend in road in evng
Norfolk Cattle Egret y'day Holkham from A149

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 16th May 2020

A greyer and cooler day, there was a clear movement of 25 Swifts, 25 Swallows and 10 House Martins around Holme with many feeding out over the grazing marsh. A Little Tern was fishing over the Broadwater and 2 Red Kites were drifting over south of the A149. A Golden Plover was on the grazing marsh and an adult Med Gull, Cuckoo, Barn Owl and single Yellow Wagtail were also noted today.

There were 22 species of moths in the traps today, including 3 Cinnabars, 3 Green Carpets, a Small Waved Umber, Small Elephant Hawk, Garden Carpet, a Peppered Moth, 3 White Ermines, 2 Treble Lines, 2 Vine's Rustic, an Ochreous Pug and 2 Angle-barred Pugs.

Butterflies were less numerous today but still included 3 Brown Argus, 4 Green Hairstreak and 2 Small Heath.

Below: Ochreous Pug

Peppered Moth

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Red-necked Phal fem still Cley NWT tho mobile
Norfolk 3.Temminck's Stints just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance at 2.45pm (+Spoonbill Wood Sand). Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway stn TF.932.431
Norfolk Russian White-fronted Goose ad flew east past Cromer this morning
Norfolk Russian White-fronted Goose ad flew east past Weybourne Camp 6.20-9.50am
Norfolk Hooded Crow flew west over West Runton at c5.35am
Norfolk Temminck's Stint still 12.15pm just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance (+Wood Sand still). Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk 2.Garganey (1.drk) 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes at midday +2.Spoonbills still +Lesser White-fronted Goose. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Honey Buzzard fem Sidestrand then flew west over Northrepps
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Temminck's Stint still just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance (+1+Wood Sand still). Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk 2.Turtle Doves y'day Kelling Heath
Norfolk White Stork y'day flew over Claxton Marsh

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 15th May 2020

A day of lovely sunshine and light winds, there was a light passage of hirundines today with at least 30 Swallows trickling west and 3 Sand Martins and 2 House Martins among them. A single Golden Plover was on the grazing marsh with 3 Whimbrel, and 2 Cuckoos were calling on and off throughout the day. A Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Grasshopper Warbler were heard, with 10 Sedge and 3 Reed Warblers also noted. The colour-ringed Stonechat was on the east bank and 5 Wheatears, a Tree Sparrow and 3 Yellow Wagtails were also of interest.

 

Moths were a Small Elephant Hawk, Small Waved Umber, Northern Drab, Muslin, Heart & Dart, White Ermine, Buff Tip, Flame Shoulder and Grey Pine Carpet. Butterflies were numerous with Brown Argus, Small Copper, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip, Red Admiral, Wall Brown and Speckled Wood all noted today. A Hairy Hawker was around the pond in the morning but wouldn't sit still, so a photo of the Tamarisk in full flower, and the Small Waved Umber on the side of the ringing shed, are included.



 

Below: Small Waved Umber

 

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS flew west over Kelling Quags early morning
Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS still 8.28am Cley NWT flew west over West Bank
Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS Cley NWT flew west over East Bank 100yds north of A149 at 8.25am
Norfolk probable Red-necked Phal Cley NWT east of East Bank on Popes Pool (drk.Garganey North Marsh at 8.15am)
Norfolk Turtle Dove male singing y'day Setchey still at factory

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 14th May 2020

A pleasant sunny day with light winds. A group of 30 Brent Geese flew east into Thornham Harbour, and a Spoonbill was asleep on the edge of the Broadwater mid morning. At least 3 Whimbrel and 100+ Black-tailed Godwits were on grazing marsh, and at least 3 Common Terns were around the Broadwater. Two Tawny Owls were calling in the pines and colour-ringed Stonechat 'Nigel' was around the east bank.

Moths were rather scant today but a superb Buff Tip was on the side of the ringing shed, and a Small Waved Umber, Green Carpet, Northern Drab and 3 White Ermines were recorded. Butterflies included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip and Wall Brown. Two Large Red Damselflies and a Four-spotted Chaser were around the pond.

Buff Tip Moth

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per dayNorfolk 3.BEE-EATERS east of Hindolveston flew east over Nethergate at 9.45am
Norfolk Garganey drk Hockwold Washes from public footpath
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 13th May 2020

Highlights today included a Little Ringed Plover, three Whimbrel and the flock of around a hundred Black-tailed Godwits still on the grazing marsh, along with a least two Mediterranean Gulls. A Grasshopper Warbler was intermittently reeling near the NOA car park and three Jays were in the pines. The moth trap produced ten species which included Eyed Hawkmoth, Small Waved Umber and Green Carpet. Other insects of note included Broad-bodied Chaser and Wall Brown.

Eyed Hawkmoth

Green Carpet

Little Ringed Plover

Wall Brown

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Great White Egret Wymondham flew NW c1/3ml NW of River Tiffey ford at 7.35am
Norfolk Grey-headed Wagtail male y'day near Eccles
Norfolk Turtle Dove male singing y'day Setchey
Norfolk Great White Egret Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB