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.

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