With the wind strengthening in the north east overnight and during the day, conditions for migration could hardly have been poorer, and this was reflected in a very dull census. A suspicious increase in both Porchard (7) and Tufted Duck (11) on the Broadwater suggested they'd either been hiding or that a few more had arrived, and a single Redwing was in the pines in the morning. A male Blackcap was near the Heligoland trap, while offshore little was evident but 3 Red-breasted Mergansers and a Great Crested Grebe were just on the edge of the waves. Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff again made themselves heard, with a Tawny Owl calling in the village at first light.
There were no moths or butterflies today, but a couple of the fat bumble bees were still making an effort.
Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Hingham still at Seamere Fen north of Deopham Road at 6.40pm
Norfolk Great White Egret on Wednesday Nar Valley Fisheries
Norfolk Common Scoter flew over Brundall overnight [identified from sound recording]
Norfolk Cuckoo singing Methwold at 6am
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)
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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – NOA RESERVES TO RE-OPEN FROM MONDAY 13TH JULY 2020
We are delighted to announce that we will be welcoming visitors back to Holme Bird Observatory from Monday 13th July 2020, and we are very much looking forward to seeing you once again. Thank you to all our members and visitors for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Please be aware that we are not yet able to restore full access.
Some restrictions must continue and these are as follows: Hempton Marsh and Walsey Hills reserves will be re-opening to visitors on 13th July, but hides on these reserves will remain closed. At Holme the following hides will remain closed for the time being: Redwell Marsh hide, Car Park hide, Sea-watching hide, Dell hide and Broadwater hide. The Bus-Stop, Dowson and Richardson hides will be accessible to one household at a time, and the viewing platform and seating area outside the cordon will be available as well, with social distancing in place. The Observatory building will also remain closed to visitors, but a member of staff will be able to come out to meet you. We do regret that for now visitors will not be able to empty moth traps with our staff, but we will retain specimens of special interest for visitors to view at a safe distance. We will continue to charge day permit fees.
We are very sorry not to offer a fuller visitor experience just yet, but these measures are for everyone's safety and we do appreciate your understanding. We will continue to review hide closures, and will post any changes on our website.
