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.

Saturday 4th June 2016

A damp grey and very misty day, with brief sunny interlude which prompted the appearance of several butterfly species including Painted Lady, Green Hairstreak and Brown Argus. Birds of note included a reeling Grasshopper Warbler and a pair of Med Gulls. A Cetti's Warbler was singing regularly in front of the Obs, a sound clip is available below. Click the play button to hear the song, a Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Black-headed Gull can also be heard.


Singing Cetti's Warbler - Holme Bird Obs, June 2016

A very murky morning at Walsey Hills gave way to bright sunshine in the afternoon. The female Red-backed Shrike present since Thursday was again seen to the south of Snipe's Marsh and on the reserve, with a constant stream of other species mobbing it. The best of the rest included a Red Kite and a Mediterranean Gull high over.

Interest otherwise was drawn to the migrant Lepidoptera on show with several thousand Diamond-back Moths present around the reserve and surrounding field edges; 22 Silver Ys and 2 Painted Lady butterflies also of note. Resident species present included 2 Wall Browns, 2 Speckled Woods and a Holly Blue.