A cold north wind produced a few interesting seabirds, with single Goldeneye Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake, together with 25 Sandwich Terns past. Also of interest were 2 Whinchats along the sea wall to Thornham, and a single Wheatear. Our Swallows arrived back this morning, and other birds of note included a Black-tailed Godwit on the NWT pools, a Greenshank at Thornham Harbour, a female Black Redstart in the dunes, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Grasshopper Warblers and 6+ Sedge Warblers.
At Walsey Hills c.60 Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 3 House Martins were feeding over Snipe's Marsh and behind North Foreland Wood for much of the day. A Wryneck was reported in the bushes near the NWT visitor center and in the scrub at Walsey were 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Sedge Warbler. 8 Whimbrel were seen passing west during the day, with some alighting on the marsh near the car park with a single Ruff.
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)
This is a polite reminder to all our members that our subscription rates have increased from 1st January. If you pay by standing order and have not yet done so, please amend your standing order to the new rate. More details can be found here.
We are small charity reliant on the generosity of our supporters through membership subscriptions and donations. Why not become a member. For a minimum of £25 you can get all the benefits of being a member of the NOA. Just click the button on the right below. Or, if you would like to support us with a donation, it is very easy to do through our portal at VirginMoneyGiving. Just click the button on the right to go to our dedicated page. Thank you.
COVID Update Monday 17th May 2021
From Monday 17th May 2021 the NOA is pleased to re-open its reserve hides to single households at a time. We will still be advising the wearing of a face covering when in NOA hides. Your continued understanding and support is very much appreciated.
Trial of Booking System for NWT Holme Dunes From Saturday 24th April
Owing to recent visitor numbers, NWT Holme Dunes Reserve is trialling a booking system for its Car Park. Until 6th September 2021 those members and visitors wishing to park in the NWT Car Park will need to book online for Weekends, Bank Holidays, or in School Holidays to ensure they can get a place. Booking is not necessary outside these times, and is not required for access to any other part of the reserve. Parking remains free for NWT members and blue badge holders.
This may affect many of our members, and we would like to clarify that NOA members do not need to book to use the NOA car park at any time between dawn and dusk. For NOA members who also belong to NWT and wish to visit both reserves, please park in the NOA car park if you do not wish to book in advance for the Holme Dunes Reserve Car Park.
