A male Firecrest was trapped and ringed and remained on the reserve for the rest of the day. On the sea 3 Eiders, 3 Common Scoters, a Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Fulmars, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Little Terns, 11 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern were recorded. An adult Arctic Tern flew west over the grazing marsh and a Golden Plover in breeding plumage was also of interest. Two Cuckoos, 4 Swifts, 35 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 8 Whitethroats, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Stonechats, and 7 Yellow Wagtails were also counted during the day.
Firecrest trapped and ringed, photo by Theo Declermont
In the sunshine many butterflies included Brown Argus, Small Copper, Green Hairstreak, Wall Brown and Small Heath, while in the moth traps a Chocolate Tip and 3 Pine Beauties were of note.
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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.
