Conditions deteriorated since yesterday with wind speeds increasing overnight and strong gusts from the north north-east throughout the day. Once again there were no butterflies or moths today. There was plenty of Marsh Harrier activity including the female with white feathers requiring a second look out over the grazing marshes, and flocks of Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler regularly coming up off the Broadwater as a result of their relentless hunting. A group of 4 Little Grebes had collected in the shelter of the reeds on the northern waters edge, and the Cetti's Warbler was still calling along the east bank though it could scarcely be heard over the wind! Over 200 Brents were still present and a small group of 8 Pink-feet were also nearby, with 4 Avocets of note and a rather sleek looking Chiffchaff began to sing near the Dell hide in the very occasional sunshine.
And they call it British Summer Time!
Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Black Redstart fem/1w.male NW of North Walsham still at Antingham in paddocks by Southrepps Road
Norfolk Hawfinch on Wednesday flew south over Hemsby. On Tuesday Woodlark flew south
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.
