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.

Thursday 14th April 2016

A day of variable weather with rain mid morning, migration was relatively quiet but the highlight was a Tree Pipit caught early morning, only the 11th ringing record for the Observatory! Also of note were 4 Ring Ouzels, 2 Tree Sparrows and a Grasshopper Warbler on the NWT reserve, a Brambling in the pines, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs and 6 Blackcaps around the Observatory. A small passage of Swallows took place throughout the afternoon. In the moth traps a female Emperor Moth was the star, with Small Quaker and Early Thorn among the other species caught.

Tree Pipit, the 11th ringing record for the Observatory - Holme Bird Obs, April 2016
Norfolk News from Birdnet
> Norfolk Spoonbill W/over Titchwell RSPB at 07:30 PE31 8BB TF759436
> Norfolk Ringtail Harrier sp. Winterton-on-Sea at 17:30 over rape field just W/then flew towards 3 wind turbines
> Norfolk Rough-legged Buzzard Cockshoot Broad at midday + White Stork over (presumed escape) NR13 6HP TG342155
> Norfolk Glaucous Gull Breydon Water at 14:50 on mud at E/end NR31 9QB TG464048
> Norfolk Adult Male Montagu's Harrier Winterton in 1st field W/of Winterton this a/noon NR29 4BQ TG496198
> Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh 09:15 at W/end from Joe Jordan Hide NR23 1RN TF888439
> Norfolk Male Blue-headed Wagtail Kelling Water Meadows this a/noon NR25 7ED TG095436
> Norfolk 4 Ring Ouzel Holme Dunes NNR
> Norfolk Arctic Tern Taverham and Costessey Pits thru this a/noon
> Norfolk 2 Ring Ouzel 1/2ml S/of Choseley Drying Barns this a/noon PE31 8PQ TF757420
> Norfolk Spotted Redshank Breydon Water at South Wall NR31 9QB TG464048
> Norfolk Jack Snipe Gramborough Hill by fence + 2 Whimbrel over NR25 7XW TG085441
> Norfolk Ringtail Hen Harrier Winterton North Dunes NR29 4BQ TG496198
> Norfolk 3 Ring Ouzel Snettisham Coastal Park at 08:45 s/overcross bank + 3 Wheatear N/of c/pk & Tree Pipit thru S/ TF648335