Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 8th April 2020

A reeling Grasshopper Warbler was a nice surprise on arriving at the Observatory this morning, very much the bird highlight of the day.  The moth trap unsurprisingly only produced two species of moth, Red Chestnut and Early Grey, both typical for this time of year. Butterflies though continue to emerge with several Green Hairstreaks noted today.

Green Hairstreak

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Norfolk Large Tortoiseshell butterfly y'day High Kelling in garden
Norfolk Ring Ouzel Weybourne Camp still this morning
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Blakeney Freshmarsh
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT in Eye Field then flew high NNE
Norfolk Ring Ouzel on Sunday Hemsby
Norfolk Ring Ouzel y'day Claxton in grazing field
Norfolk Little Gull Welney WWT
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Reepham at 10.19am +singing Garden Warbler
Norfolk Great White Egret Cley flew south past 11.Glandford Road at 10.30am then landed in ditch by poplars west of sewage works
Norfolk Cattle Egret Limpenhoe again in grazing marsh viewed south from Well Road tho distant TG.395.031
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Snettisham at Ken Hill Marsh +5.Yellow Wagtails Sedge Warbler
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk Hooded Crow Cley flew south over Glaven Valley at 9.07am
Norfolk Ring Ouzel Roydon Common NNR still
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels Grimston Warren
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh still in main drain early evng

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 7th April 2020

Highlights today included an overflying Tree Pipit and at least one Brambling in the pines behind the Observatory. The first singing Sedge Warblers were noted with at least two along the Broadwater edge and three Spoonbills flew west along the dunes mid morning.
The moth trap revealed Common Quaker, Hebrew Character, Small Quaker and Grey Shoulder-Knot and Butterflies put in an appearance with Brimstone, Peacock and Green-veined White all recorded.

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Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels West Runton in cattle field by Beach Road mid morning
Norfolk Ring Ouzel Wymondham at The Lizard in field by railway mid a'noon
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels West Runton in cattle field
Norfolk 9.Ring Ouzels Cawston Heath early a'noon
Norfolk Hooded Crow flew east over Weybourne Camp this morning +Spoonbill. Yellow Wagtail flew west
Norfolk 3.Ring Ouzels Caister on west side this morning
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Upton Marshes NWT
Norfolk Hooded Crow Cley +Great White Egret Jack Snipe White Wagtail
Norfolk 5.Great White Egrets Welney WWT
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels Roydon Common NNR
Norfolk Ring Ouzel Roydon Common NNR at 8am
Norfolk Hooded Crow y'day Southrepps on NE side in field just east of Whitegates Road north of Gimingham Road TG.259.367
Norfolk Grasshopper Warbler singing east of Norwich at Thorpe St.Andrew at Thorpe Marsh. Y'day Bittern flew north over Hellesdon at c11.15pm

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 6th April 2020

A movement of Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Robins was noted at the Observatory today, with a Swallow and 4 Sand Martins flying over west at 10am. A group of 47 Golden Plover flew over west and 16+ Black-tailed Godwits were on the NWT pools. Two Snipe dropped in on the grazing marsh and 200+ Brent Geese were also present, with 2 Pink-feet still remaining. At least 8 Med Gulls were of interest and 3 Cetti's Warblers were heard, while 20+ Chiffchaffs and 10+ Blackcaps were in the scrub.

The moths continued to be on strike with single Hebrew Character and Small Quaker again today. Around the reserve 2 Peacocks and a Green-veined White were seen in the afternoon sunshine.

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Norfolk Whimbrel y'day flew over Thetford at 11.58pm [identified from sound recording]
Norfolk White Stork Great Ryburgh flew SE over River Wensum
Norfolk Hen Harrier male Breydon Water at South Wall +2.Sedge Warblers 2.Whimbrel. 2.Yellow Wagtails flew west
Norfolk Short-eared Owl Salthouse
Norfolk Pied Fly NE of Salthouse at Gramborough Hill briefly this morning but no further sign +male.Ring Ouzel
Norfolk Great White Egret Wiveton in poplars by river south of stone bridge at cmidday
Norfolk 2+Ring Ouzels Felmingham +Wheatear
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels Weybourne this morning +2.Yellow Wagtails flew west
Norfolk 2.Garganey (1.drk) Upton Marshes NWT +Great White Egret
Norfolk 8.Ring Ouzels flew west over Sheringham: 6.at 8.30am, 2.at 8.43am
Norfolk Spoonbill flew west past Salthouse 8am-8.45am
Norfolk Whimbrel y'day flew north over Hingham at 12.30pm
Norfolk Bittern y'day west of Norwich at West Earlham flew NNW over Bevan Close at 11.16pm
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Cley still in hedge by Glandford Road at 8.13am
Norfolk Bittern y'day Norwich flew over Stafford Street at 0.06am

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 5th April 2020

A strong south breeze and sunshine today, but migrants were surprisingly scarce with highlights being a flock of 10 Barnacle Geese landing on the grazing marsh at lunch time, and a pair of Black Swans were on floods near the sea wall mid morning. A total of 5 Red Kites passed over and on the NWT pools 20 Black-tailed Godwits and a single Ruff were of note, together with 16+ Avocets. Two Cetti's Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps were heard, and a pair of Stonechats were near Thornham Harbour.

Two Peacocks and a Comma were the only butterflies noted and in the moth traps a disappointing catch consisted of just one each of Hebrew Character and Small Quaker.

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Norfolk Black Redstart West Runton
Norfolk Great White Egret near Wormegay by River Nar this morning
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew south over Hunstanton at c2pm
Norfolk Little Gull Filby Broad +4.Common Terns. Y'day c10.Common Terns Martham Broad
Norfolk Little Gull Filby Broad +4.Common Terns. Y'day c10.Common Terns Martham Broad
Norfolk 4.Common Cranes flew SE over Sparham at 12.20pm
Norfolk House Martin Roydon at 12.19pm
Norfolk White Stork (ringed) Welney WWT at Lady Fen. Also Great White Egret still
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels Northrepps at Hungry Hill
Norfolk Woodlark Winterton North Dunes
Norfolk Hen Harrier male just SE of Wereham flew south over A134
Norfolk 5.Sandwich Terns Norwich flew low east over garden
Norfolk 4+Little Ringed Plovers Wymondham GPs (no general access)
Norfolk 3.Common Terns west of Norwich at Colney GPs
Norfolk Cattle Egret Wormegay west of high bridge in cattle field by River Nar
Norfolk 2.Hawfinches near Cockley Cley flew over
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Limpenhoe in paddock east of Marsh Road then flew west
Norfolk probable Lesser Whitethroat y'day Wymondham at sewage works at 1pm [heard only]
Norfolk 4+Common Scoters y'day Norwich flew over Hellesdon at 1.04am +1.21am

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 4th April 2020

With winds turning southerly there was some sign of further migrants arriving today with 10+ Chiffchaffs around the reserve and a Firecrest heard singing near the Dell early morning. A single Ruff was on the NWT and there was more raptor activity with 3 Red Kites and 10+ Buzzards. A single Redpoll and Siskin flew over calling.

Butterflies were on the wing in the sunshine with 2 Brimstones, 4 Peacocks, a Green-veined White and a Small Tortoiseshell seen during the day.

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Norfolk Velvet Scoter Heacham off South Beach
Norfolk 2+Common Scoters flew over Hempton at 12.59am
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Cley NWT on Cricket Marsh at 9.15am
Norfolk 2+Common Scoters flew over Norwich at 1.15am [identified from sound recording]
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Cley
Norfolk no sign of Cattle Egret Limpenhoe in meadow by footpath TG.394.036
Norfolk 4.Common Cranes flew SSE over Horsford
Norfolk 2+Common Scoters y'day flew over Swaffham at 11.19pm
Norfolk 7.Common Cranes just south of West Runton flew west at 11.22am
Norfolk 7.Common Cranes Northrepps flew NW over Hungry Hill at 10.40am
Norfolk 2.Bewick's Swans flew over Winterton
Norfolk Osprey Kelling Heath in tree at 7am then flew off
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male y'day Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Norfolk Common Crane y'day Great Ryburgh flew north over River Wensum in a'noon
Norfolk Raven East Barsham still at church at 7am

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 3rd April 2020

A cool but dry day, there was a bit more activity with 3+ Red Kites and 6+ Buzzards passing overhead during the day and 2 Snipe and 2 Ruff on the grazing marsh. A Peregrine flew low over the pines and the two Cetti's Warblers were shouting at each other along the Broadwater edge. Three Pink-feet were lingering on the marsh with 200 Brents still present. A Blackcap was singing in the village. The surprise of the day, however, was the presence of a Black Swan on the Broadwater looking quite at home among the Shelduck and Greylags!

In the moth trap 2 Early Greys, a Small Quaker, Powdered Quaker and a Red Chestnut were caught.

 Early Grey Moth

 Red Chestnut

 

A Distant pic of the Black Swan!

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Norfolk Cattle Egret Limpenhoe still in meadow by footpath TG.394.036
Norfolk Swallow flew west over Weybourne this morning
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle over Colney at 2.07pm
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle east of Norwich at Thorpe St.Andrew flew west over River Yare at 1.30pm
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh still
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Welney WWT still +2.Common Cranes
Norfolk Velvet Scoter y'day flew north past Hemsby
Norfolk Russian White-fronted Goose 1.5mls south of Thetford at Nunnery Lakes NR
Norfolk Sedge Warbler singing Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Caspian Gull on Wednesday Hemsby. On Monday 74.Russian White-fronted Geese flew east
Norfolk Raven East Barsham at church at 6.23am

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 2nd April 2020

A breezy day but dry, there was still little sign of migration and the main highlights today were 2 Red Kites drifting over, and 8 Ruff on the NWT pools, with 2 Cetti's Warblers singing along the northern edge of Broadwater and at least 6 Chiffchaffs around the recording area. On the sea a pair of Common Scoter were offshore and 7 Red-breasted Mergansers were counted, with 2 Great Crested Grebes also noted. A flock of 30 Goldfinches were in the pines and 6 Pochard were on the Broadwater.

In the moth traps a sudden surge in variety took the form of an Early Grey, Powdered Quaker, 2 Hebrew Characters and 4 Red Chestnuts!

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Norfolk Cattle Egret Limpenhoe still mid a'noon in meadow by footpath TG.394.036
Norfolk 10+Common Scoters y'day flew over Hingham at 10pm
Norfolk Cattle Egret flew west over Binham this morning
Norfolk Osprey Norwich flew north over Thorpe Hamlet at 12.30pm
Norfolk Cattle Egret Heacham flew south over South Beach this morning
Norfolk Black Redstart Great Yarmouth at South Denes
Norfolk Cattle Egret Limpenhoe still in meadow by footpath TG.394.036
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Welney WWT still
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail Roydon Common NNR still 7.30am

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 1st April 2020

Things today were much as the last few days, with the Wigeon and Brent Goose flocks remaining on the grazing Marsh both taking noisily to the air on regular occasions.
The pair of Med Gulls were on the Broadwater again with the Black-headed Gulls and at least two Pink-feet were noted amongst the more numerous Greylags.

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Norfolk Sedge Warbler Potter Heigham Marshes at Middle Wall track
Norfolk Cuckoo male singing y'day Cley behind Cley Hall early morning
Norfolk Black Redstart fem/1w.male y'day Cley still by boats just west of beach car park
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh still 11.30am
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe Marsh

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 31st March 2020

A pleasant bright sunny day, even more so with the cold wind having finally relented.
Two Red Kites were over the grazing Marsh, along with two smart breeding plumaged adult Med Gulls around the Broadwater and the male Blackcap again near the Heligoland trap.
A pair of Stonechats including the colour ringed male (from a brood on Dersingham Bog in 2018), was frequenting the saltmarsh east of the obs , with two Grey Partridges also noted nearby.

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Norfolk 2.Ravens flew south over Wiveton at 2.30pm
Norfolk 5.Snow Buntings Cley NWT still on beach east of north end of East Bank
Norfolk 2.Waxwings still Salthouse on east side +just south of A149 at Pintail Close
Norfolk Osprey Tasburgh in dead tree at 7.20am then flew east
Norfolk White Wagtail male y'day West Runton in ploughed field west of Rocky Bottom restaurant

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 30th March 2020

A little less windy today but still with a stiff north breeze and a few showers also moving through fairly rapidly. The grazing marshes remained busy with wildfowl, over 100 Teal being counted today together with 300+ Wigeon and 200+ Brent Geese. Over 600 Starlings were also feeding there. Two Common Buzzards were in the dunes in the morning. A flock of 15 Linnets on the east bank contained the largely albino bird seen over the winter in Thornham Harbour, looking very like a Snow Bunting but with a tell-tale pink flush on the breast feathers. A Cetti's Warbler was singing nearby and 2 adult Med Gulls, still in winter plumage, were calling over the Broadwater. A Tawny Owl was hooting in the village early morning and 7 Chiffchaffs and a male Blackcap were counted in the wider recording area, with a male Bullfinch also noted.

In the moth trap a Hebrew Character and an Early Grey were present.

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Norfolk Great White Egret Hingham still at Seamere Fen north of Deopham Road this morning
Norfolk Spoonbill Salthouse just east of Iron Road on marshes from A149 at 10am
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes between Acle Bridge +Billockby still in stubble field from barn TG.420.124
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes Upton Marshes NWT on east side of river
Norfolk Purple Heron ad Cley NWT in SW corner in ditch by A149 till 9.50am then flew west

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 29th March 2020

Conditions deteriorated since yesterday with wind speeds increasing overnight and strong gusts from the north north-east throughout the day. Once again there were no butterflies or moths today. There was plenty of Marsh Harrier activity including the female with white feathers requiring a second look out over the grazing marshes, and flocks of Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler regularly coming up off the Broadwater as a result of their relentless hunting. A group of 4 Little Grebes had collected in the shelter of the reeds on the northern waters edge, and the Cetti's Warbler was still calling along the east bank though it could scarcely be heard over the wind! Over 200 Brents were still present and a small group of 8 Pink-feet were also nearby, with 4 Avocets of note and a rather sleek looking Chiffchaff began to sing near the Dell hide in the very occasional sunshine.

And they call it British Summer Time!

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Norfolk Black Redstart fem/1w.male NW of North Walsham still at Antingham in paddocks by Southrepps Road
Norfolk Hawfinch on Wednesday flew south over Hemsby. On Tuesday Woodlark flew south

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 28th March 2020

With the wind strengthening in the north east overnight and during the day, conditions for migration could hardly have been poorer, and this was reflected in a very dull census. A suspicious increase in both Porchard (7) and Tufted Duck (11) on the Broadwater suggested they'd either been hiding or that a few more had arrived, and a single Redwing was in the pines in the morning. A male Blackcap was near the Heligoland trap, while offshore little was evident but 3 Red-breasted Mergansers and a Great Crested Grebe were just on the edge of the waves. Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff again made themselves heard, with a Tawny Owl calling in the village at first light.

There were no moths or butterflies today, but a couple of the fat bumble bees were still making an effort.

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Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Hingham still at Seamere Fen north of Deopham Road at 6.40pm
Norfolk Great White Egret on Wednesday Nar Valley Fisheries
Norfolk Common Scoter flew over Brundall overnight [identified from sound recording]
Norfolk Cuckoo singing Methwold at 6am

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 27th March 2020

The sunny weather continued with an increasingly cold north-easterly breeze. As yesterday, it was rather quiet, with little in the way of visual migration. A flock of 26 Black-tailed Godwits was on the NWT pools, and a Cetti's Warbler was still around the heli trap area, with singing Chiffchaff and Goldcrest on the Obs reserve and just offshore 2 Red-breasted Mergansers were floating while 60 Sanderling were scurrying around on the beach. A male Blackcap was heard again in the village and 2 Stonechats were on the east bank, but overall much the same as yesterday.

In the moth traps the regulation 3 Hebrew Characters were caught but also today an Early Thorn was seen flying in the sunshine in the area of the Dell. A Peacock butterfly was in the same area and the day was punctuated by a succession of rather fat and hairy bumble bees of various species!

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Norfolk Firecrest Southrepps Common by Bradfield Road
Norfolk Tree Pipit flew NW over Thetford at 10.05am
Norfolk Black Redstart Cley in garden
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Cley flew east along A149 viewed from garden along Glandford Road at 10.30am
Norfolk Firecrest male singing Wymondham at north end of Norwich Road near Waitrose

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 26th March 2020

Today was another beautiful day to look at, but strangely lacking in substance, with a cold easterly wind the notable feature. A seawatch in the afternoon, at a very low tide, produced a single drake Common Scoter east, 8 Red-breasted Mergansers just offshore, and a winter plumage Great Crested Grebe the main highlights. At least 10 Avocets were on the NWT pools and a pair of adult Med Gulls were seen over the Broadwater, but small birds were relatively scarce with 4 Chiffchaffs present, and a pair of Stonechats on the east bank.

In the moth traps the regulation 3 Hebrew Characters were caught, and a Pale Pinion which flew off the moment the trap was opened, so no photo can be posted!

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Norfolk Black Redstart Weybourne Camp this morning
Norfolk Black Redstart Ditchingham in garden
Norfolk Osprey flew north over King's Lynn early a'noon

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 25th March 2020

Another clear and sunny day with a light southerly breeze and temperatures reaching almost 16 degrees Celsius.

Cabin fever set in here with no-one but a few walkers along the footpath for a second day! A male Cetti's Warbler was swearing near to the Broadwater hide and Chiffchaffs singing in various spots with at least 6 noted. A pair of Stonechats were along the approach track again. More general migratory activity was visible, with a light passage of Meadow Pipits through the dunes. The pines were shedding their cones and seeds attracting mixed flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches. On the grazing marshes slightly reduced numbers of Wigeon and Brent today, with 300 and 150 respectively. A Barn Owl was hunting at the east end of Holme village early morning and a small party of 16 grumbling Pink-feet dropped in on the marsh opposite the Obs during the afternoon. Otherwise it was rather quiet again.

Moth traps produced 4 Hebrew Characters this time so that's one up on yesterday! Brimstone, Peacock and four Small Tortoiseshell was the total for butterflies, and a newt was in the pond.

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Norfolk Black Redstart Cantley beet factory on coal dump viewable from footpath at 8am
Norfolk Black Redstart Cley by beach car park
Norfolk Short-eared Owl y'day Haddiscoe Marsh

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 24th March 2020

A far quieter day, but 200 Brent Geese and 450 Wigeon were on the grazing marsh, and 3 Hebrew Characters were in the moth trap.

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Norfolk Short-eared Owl Breydon Water still by South Wall mid morning
Norfolk Black Redstart Horsey Corner +6.Common Cranes

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 23rd March 2020

A beautiful day with a visible increase in raptor activity, at least 6 Red Kites and 5 Buzzards were seen, with singles of Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk all in the recording area. On the grazing marshes 350+ Wigeon and 200+ Brent Geese were still of note, with a Little Ringed Plover on the NWT reserve and 2 Med Gulls flying over calling. At least 3 Cetti's Warblers were heard and 6+ Chiffchaffs were also present, with a Brambling 'wheezing' near Redwell paddock, a Siskin over calling and 5 Twite reported from Thornham Harbour.

Two Hebrew Characters and a March Moth were all that the moth trap had to offer, and a single Peacock butterfly was in a sheltered corner near the Heligoland trap.

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Norfolk 2.Common Cranes y'day Claxton Marshes
Norfolk Great White Egret Hingham still at Seamere Fen north of Deopham Road at 3.40pm
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1w Sheringham still on seafront by The Two Lifeboats pub at 4pm
Norfolk Firecrest Hopton-on-Sea early a'noon
Norfolk Osprey west of Norwich flew north over University of East Anglia at 2.22pm
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes Welney WWT
Norfolk Common Crane flew south over Brancaster at 1.10pm
Norfolk 6.Great White Egrets Welney WWT
Norfolk 5.Cattle Egrets Holkham Freshmarsh still at west end +5.Great White Egrets still
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove on wires at 11.34am TF.673.049
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills y'day Holkham Freshmarsh still +Great White Egret stillNorfolk 2.Common Cranes y'day Claxton Marshes
Norfolk Great White Egret Hingham still at Seamere Fen north of Deopham Road at 3.40pm
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1w Sheringham still on seafront by The Two Lifeboats pub at 4pm
Norfolk Firecrest Hopton-on-Sea early a'noon
Norfolk Osprey west of Norwich flew north over University of East Anglia at 2.22pm
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes Welney WWT
Norfolk Common Crane flew south over Brancaster at 1.10pm
Norfolk 6.Great White Egrets Welney WWT
Norfolk 5.Cattle Egrets Holkham Freshmarsh still at west end +5.Great White Egrets still
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove on wires at 11.34am TF.673.049
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills y'day Holkham Freshmarsh still +Great White Egret still

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 22nd March 2020

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Norfolk Water Pipit just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance [heard only]. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk 2.Waxwings still Salthouse at Grout's Lane in Ducklands garden this a'noon
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove TF.673.049
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Brundall over Oakdale Road at 10.40am
Norfolk 7.Great White Egrets Burnham Overy Marshes still
Norfolk Waxwing still Salthouse at Grout's Lane in Ducklands garden
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Water Pipit on Friday Buckenham Marshes RSPB

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 21st March 2020

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Norfolk 12.Common Cranes between Acle Bridge +Billockby still in stubble field from barn at 2.43pm TG.420.124
Norfolk 9.Common Cranes between Acle Bridge +Billockby still in stubble field from barn at 2.30pm TG.420.124
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 12.45pm 1ml SW of Fincham on wires by Black Drove near A1122 junction +showing well TF.673.049
Norfolk 2.Short-eared Owls Holkham Gap flew from dunes at 11.58am +2.Velvet Scoters offshore
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets flew north over St.Olaves at 11.05am
Norfolk Raven Winterton at Bramble Hill Gap on beach at 10.45am +Hooded Crow still
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 10.18am 1ml SW of Fincham on wires by Black Drove near A1122 junction +showing well TF.673.049
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham on wires by Black Drove near A1122 junction at 9.30am +showing well TF.673.049
Norfolk Short-eared Owl Thornham Marsh

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 20th March 2020

Moth Traps - 4 Hebrew Character, 1 Small Quaker, 1 Diurnea fagella
Four Mediterranean Gull on Redwell Marsh
Four Twite on Thornham Coal Barn

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Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Welney WWT still +Common Crane
Norfolk 2.Black Redstarts (both fem/1w.male) South Creake still in garden
Norfolk Spoonbill Cley NWT on Bull Marsh this morning
Norfolk 2.Garganey (1.drk) Holme Dunes NWT still on flash south of entrance track
Norfolk 4.Little Gulls Cley flew east past beach car park this morning
Norfolk Garganey drk Holme Dunes NWT still on flash south of entrance track at 12.20pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Blakeney Freshmarsh still viewed from Friary Hills NT
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge at 11.45am. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail Roydon Common NNR still 10am
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew south over Roydon Common NNR at 9.54am
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk Water Pipit Titchwell RSPB still on

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 19th March 2020

The pair of Garganey were again present on the NWT reserve and two Mediterranean Gulls were on Redwell Marsh early morning. A few more moths in the trap today, which included a Grey Shoulder-Knot, Small Quaker and Clouded Drab.

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Norfolk Great White Egret Hingham still at Seamere Fen north of Deopham Road mid a'noon
Norfolk 2.Long-tailed Ducks Holkham Bay still 1.34pm
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male till 10.40am Dersingham Bog NNR on slope opposite boardwalk then flew over ridge
Norfolk 4+Snow Buntings Holkham still 500yds east of Holkham Gap at roped-off area at 12.45pm TF.896.458
Norfolk Spoonbill Wells at Quarles Marsh at 9.37am
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still 12.08pm north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Holkham Freshmarsh still from The Lookout
Norfolk 2.Garganey (1.drk) still Holme in North Fields by track
Norfolk Hooded Crow Winterton at Bramble Gap +male Hen Harrier
Norfolk Snow Bunting Caister-on-Sea on sea defence rocks at north end of beach
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Black Redstart 1w.male Sheringham at Leas at 9.45am then flew east to Whelk Coppers
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Dersingham Bog NNR by boardwalk at 10.20am
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk 4.Waxwings still Salthouse by A149 opposite duckpond
Norfolk Short-eared Owl Halvergate Marshses still by Branch Road
Norfolk Black Redstart fem/1w.male West Runton east of path from main road to cattle field fence tho mobile

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 18th March 2020

A wet miserable day though it didn't seem to stop a small arrival of Chiffchaffs with at least fifteen noted around the Observatory.  A Water Pipit was on the flooded field south of Thornham coastal path this morning.

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Norfolk Great White Egret Breydon Water by South Wall late morning
Norfolk Garganey reported Heacham South Beach at 8.55am +Great White Egret
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove west of track to Raven's Farm at 2pm TF.673.049
Norfolk Lesser Whitethroat Glandford at pond
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Hickling Broad NWT still this morning +10+Common Cranes
Norfolk Hooded Crow Horsey at Nelson Head track south of 2nd steps +Raven
Norfolk 27.Russian White-fronted Geese Holkham Freshmarsh still from Joe Jordan Hide at 11.53am
Norfolk 2.Long-tailed Ducks Holkham Bay still 10am. Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh east of Lady Anne’s Drive +ad.hybrid Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent Goose
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Holkham Freshmarsh still from Joe Jordan Hide at 10.55am
Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh still from Washington Hide at 9.51am
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh still

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 17th March 2020

The Garganey were again present on the NWT reserve and at least one Bearded Tit was along the Broadwater near the observatory. There was clearly an arrival of Chiffchaffs with at least six sheltering in the dunes and pines behind the rear of the obs. A Peacock Butterfly was also recorded.



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Norfolk 10+Velvet Scoters Holkham Bay mid a'noon +2.Long-tailed Ducks
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail Roydon Common NNR at 1.16pm
Norfolk Spoonbill ad Cley NWT on Watling Water
Norfolk probable Hen Harrier male Salthouse flew in off sea at 2pm then flew west
Norfolk 4+Waxwings still 1.55pm Salthouse at Grout's Lane in Ducklands garden
Norfolk 2.Garganey (1.drk) still 12.15pm Holme in North Fields towards wind pump tho elusive
Norfolk 2.Velvet Scoters Holkham Bay still
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge at 11.49am. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Holkham Freshmarsh still +6.Great White Egrets 14.Russian White-fronted Geese Short-eared Owl
Norfolk 5.Waxwings still Salthouse at Grout's Lane in Ducklands garden at 10.45am
Norfolk 2.Garganey (1.drk) still Holme
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male y'day Blakeney in garden at Kingsway
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove west of track to Raven's Farm TF.673.049

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 16th March 2020

Garganey pair still present
First Chiffchaff of the year caught

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Norfolk 5.Waxwings still 1.30pm Salthouse by A149 layby opposite duckpond tho mobile
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 2.24pm 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove in hedge near Raven's Farm junction tho distant TF.673.049
Norfolk 2.Long-tailed Ducks Holkham Bay still 1.55pm
Norfolk Great White Egret NE of Potter Heigham at Heigham Sound from Weavers' Way at 12.47pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape from hide by Weavers' Way at 11.39am
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove in hedge near Raven's Farm junction at 11.19am tho distant TF.673.049
Norfolk 5.Waxwings still 11.03am Salthouse by A149 layby opposite duckpond
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge at 10.45am. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Wheatear Cley NWT in Eye Field by main drain at 9.44am
Norfolk 5.Waxwings still Salthouse at back of Grout's Lane
Norfolk Mealy Redpoll Norwich at Whitlingham Ctry Park in trees at NE corner of Great Broad
Norfolk Water Pipit Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh
Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh still 7.15am

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 15th March 202

Woodlark present most of the day on the grass around the Obs
The pair of Garganey seen yesterday were reported in the North Fields today

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Norfolk Wheatear male Cley NWT in Eye Field by Eye Pool at 2.30pm
Norfolk 3.Spoonbills Holkham Freshmarsh still from Joe Jordan Hide at 1.58pm
Norfolk 20.Russian White-fronted Geese Holkham Freshmarsh still from Joe Jordan Hide at 1.48pm +Great White Egret still
Norfolk 5.Waxwings still 2pm Salthouse at back of Grout's Lane
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk Water Pipit Titchwell RSPB still from Parrinder Hide at 1.20pm
Norfolk 4+Waxwings still this a'noon Salthouse on Grout's Lane
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 12.45pm 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove near Raven's Farm junction TF.673.049
Norfolk reported juv.Rough-legged Buzzard Burnham Norton is a Buzzard
Norfolk 2.Cattle Egrets Potter Heigham still in white cattle field on north side of river
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv Burnham Norton viewed from car park (+Great White Egret)
Norfolk Spoonbill flew over Cley NWT
Norfolk Woodlark Holme NOA on grass by observatory
Norfolk 120+Russian White-fronted Geese Heigham Holmes +3.presumed escaped Red-breasted Geese. View from Martham Ferry
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills Burnham Overy Marshes still +4.Great White Egrets still
Norfolk 4.Snow Buntings Cley NWT east of East Bank TG.063.448
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove near Raven's Farm at 10.40am tho mobile TF.673.049
Norfolk Wheatear male Happisburgh
Norfolk 5.Waxwings still Salthouse in tree opposite duck pond at 9.51am
Norfolk 2.Waxwings still Salthouse in tree opposite duck pond at 7.45am
Norfolk Great Northern Diver Weybourne drifted east
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 14th March 2020

1 Hebrew Character in moth trap
Spoonbill flying east over Thornham Harbour
Greenshank in Thornham Habour
Merlin hunting on the beach

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Norfolk Caspian Gull 1w Sheringham still on beach
Norfolk 3.Waxwings y'day SW of Colkirk at West Raynham in lime in evng
Norfolk Waxwing Norwich flew over Earlham Road this morning
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail flew east over Roydon Common NNR at 1.54pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh still at east end this a'noon
Norfolk Great White Egret Stiffkey on flood by A149 at 11am
Norfolk 5.Waxwings still Salthouse in tree opposite duck pond at 1.50pm
Norfolk 5.Shorelarks Holkham Bay still in dunes
Norfolk Spoonbill flew east over Thornham Harbour at 1.28pm
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1.21pm 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove near Raven's Farm on wires by footpath sign TF.673.049
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Haddiscoe Island at 12.55pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Breydon Water early morning +2.Short-eared Owls
Norfolk 2.Purple Sands Sheringham on rocks near Sheringham Museum at 12.42pm
Norfolk 2.Cattle Egrets Potter Heigham still in cattle field west of Herbert Woods boatyard at 11am
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge at 10.59am. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Spoonbill Welney WWT from Nelson Lyle Hide +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Grey Plover flew over Wymondham at 8am
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove at Raven's Farm in hedge from junction at 9.30am TF.673.049
Norfolk 9.Hawfinches still Lynford Arboretum in paddocks. From car park walk south for 1/3ml TL.820.937
Norfolk 2+Russian White-fronted Geese Heigham Holmes still +2.presumed escaped Red-breasted Geese

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 13th March 2020

On the Grazing Marsh birds of prey including two Red Kite and a Peregrine, regularly upsetting the wildfowl on there. Two Owl species, Barn and Tawny, were recorded and around the Observatory area there was a male Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail flew over flying west. On the sea a short sea watch produced four Red-breasted Mergansers and two Eider.

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Norfolk 5.Cattle Egrets Holkham Freshmarsh this morning +4.Great White Egrets still +5.Spoonbills still +2+Russian White-fronted Geese still
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Welney WWT at Lady Fen at 1.53pm
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 2.02pm 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove west of Raven's Farm junction tho distant TF.673.049
Norfolk Water Pipit Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh
Norfolk 5.Shorelarks flew east over Burnham Overy Dunes at 11.35am (+4.Ravens)
Norfolk Great White Egret Blakeney Freshmarsh still
Norfolk probable Iceland Gull ad Cley flew east past beach car park at 10.20am
Norfolk 15.Snow Buntings Cley NWT still east of north end of East Bank
Norfolk 9.Common Cranes y'day between Acle Bridge +Billockby still in stubble field from barn this a'noon TG.420.124
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove west of Raven's Farm on pole east of road TF.673.049
Norfolk 13.Snow Buntings Cley NWT still on shingle ridge TG.063.448
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes between Acle Bridge +Billockby still in stubble field from barn TG.420.124
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 12th March 2020

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Norfolk 5.Shorelarks Holkham Bay still in dunes at 2.58pm
Norfolk c12.Russian White-fronted Geese Holkham Freshmarsh still west of Joe Jordan Hide before righthand bend in track at 2.32pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1w Thetford again on SW side off London Road at Burrell Way at recycling centre early a'noon TL.854.819
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail Grimston Warren flew NE over fields at 1.35pm
Norfolk 5.Hawfinches still Lynford Arboretum in paddocks at 1pm. From car park walk south for 1/3ml TL.820.937
Norfolk 25.Snow Buntings Cley NWT still along shingle ridge
Norfolk Great White Egret Blakeney Freshmarsh still
Norfolk 5.Common Cranes between Acle Bridge +Billockby still in stubble field from barn TG.420.124
Norfolk 29.Snow Buntings y'day Winterton still on North Beach
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1w y'day Sheringham still on beach

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 11th March 2020

Three vocal Common Cranes were again present on the grazing marsh today. In Thornham Harbour the Twite ( at least 6), were on the Coal Barn Roof at midday. A Spotted Redshank and Greenshank were also in the harbour mouth.

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 Norfolk 3.Common Cranes Holme Dunes NWT still from coastal footpath midway between entrance gate +visitor centre at 1.50pm
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove on wires near Raven's Farm junction at c7.40am TF.673.049
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail Roydon Common NNR at 1.30pm
Norfolk 5.Shorelarks still Holkham Bay c450yds east of Holkham Gap by path in front of hides c50yds before roped-off area at 12.43pm TF.896.458
Norfolk 4+Shorelarks still Holkham Bay c450yds east of Holkham Gap by path in front of hides c50yds before roped-off area at 12.41pm TF.896.458
Norfolk 5.Common Cranes between Acle Bridge +Billockby in stubble field from barn this a'noon TG.420.124
Norfolk Spoonbill Holkham still on pools just west of Lady Anne's Drive
Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard juv NW of Wells still north of road 1/2ml west of Wells Quay viewed from gate east of old railway bridge. Do not block gate TF.911.441
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Holme Dunes NWT still 10.13am
Norfolk 3.Shorelarks still Holkham in dunes c1/4ml NW of boardwalk at 8am (+3+Velvet Scoters still offshore)

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 10th March 2020

Four Common Cranes flew over the NWT reserve mid afternoon. Two rather smart adult Mediterranean Gulls and twenty Avocets were on the Broadwater. A Dotted Border was in the moth trap.

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Norfolk 4.Common Cranes Holme Dunes NWT mid a'noon
Norfolk 12.Little Gulls Cley flew east past beach car park at 2.38pm
Norfolk Great Grey Shrike still 1ml SW of Fincham at Black Drove on wires midway +brush pile to Raven's Farm at 2.19pm +showing well TF.673.049
Norfolk 4.Common Cranes Felbrigg Hall NT flew west over car park at 9.45am
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1w Sheringham still on beach
Norfolk 5.Shorelarks still 11.57am Holkham Bay flew north over dunes
Norfolk 5.Shorelarks still Holkham 1/4ml west of boardwalk at 11am
Norfolk 4.Common Cranes Weybourne flew west over beach at 10.08am
Norfolk 4.Common Cranes flew west over Cley at 10.15am
Norfolk 4.Common Cranes flew west over Blakeney Freshmarsh at 10.23am
Norfolk 20.Snow Buntings Holkham still at Holkham Gap