Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – NOA HIDES RE-OPENING FROM MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2020

The NOA is opening hides on all reserves to members again from 14th September 2020. There are still some restrictions and please be aware that these are: Face coverings will be required in all NOA hides until further notice, unless you are exempt for wearing them. Only 2 people from different households may use any hide at one time. A single household of more than two people is permitted, provided no-one else is using it. We are still not able to admit visitors inside the Observatory centre at present. We regret the inconvenience to all our members and visitors caused by the loss of use of these facilities during the first five months of the COVID-19 outbreak. Please be considerate of the restrictions we have put in place, allowing us to restore access as safely as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 10th April 2020

A cloudy start with south-easterly winds strengthening during the day, but pleasantly warm. A few more migrants today with a Cuckoo heard along the approach road and 2 Red Kites drifting over. The Peregrine darted over the pines and 3 Ruff were on the NWT reserve. Common Warblers were fairly numerous with 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and 10 Blackcaps recorded, a Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Sedge Warblers still singing. Late morning a male Redstart was seen briefly on the east bank, while 2 Bullfinches and at least one Brambling were also noted. Two Black Swans were out on the marsh mid afternoon.

It was a good day for butterflies, with at least 4 Peacocks, an Orange Tip, male Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, and 2 Green Hairstreaks recorded. In the moth traps a Brindled Beauty, 2 Early Greys, a Shoulder-stripe, Hebrew Character, a Northern Drab, Common and Small Quakers were caught.

Brindled Beauty Moth

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Black Redstart Reepham in garden at 1.10pm
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Cley NWT again on Cricket Marsh at 2.30pm
Norfolk Spoonbill east of Walsey Hills NOA mid morning then flew east
Norfolk no sign of Cattle Egret Limpenhoe on grazing marsh viewed south from Well Road TG.395.031
Norfolk 5.Ring Ouzels flew south over Roydon Common NNR early a'noon
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Roydon Common NNR at 10.49am
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels SW of Aylmerton at Rounce's Coverts at 8am TG.170.394
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels (1.male) Roydon Common NNR mid morning
Norfolk 3+Ring Ouzels Waxham in grass field by dunes at end of Money Lane. Y'day Firecrest Poplar Farm
Norfolk Ring Ouzel fem Roydon Common NNR still