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)
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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – Tuesday 29th DECEMBER 2020
Further to the announcement of a Tier 4 (Stay at home) lockdown in Norfolk, the NOA has closed all hides on its nature reserves. While we would discourage anyone from travelling too far during this crucial time, our reserves themselves will remain open for local visitors and usual charges will apply for non-members. Please follow government advice, and respect social distancing at all times. We will restore access to our facilities as and when government restrictions permit.
We are very grateful for your understanding and support.
