Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

This is a polite reminder to all our members that our subscription rates have increased from 1st January. If you pay by standing order and have not yet done so, please amend your standing order to the new rate. More details can be found here. We are small charity reliant on the generosity of our supporters through membership subscriptions and donations. Why not become a member. For a minimum of £25 you can get all the benefits of being a member of the NOA. Just click the button on the right below. Or, if you would like to support us with a donation, it is very easy to do through our portal at VirginMoneyGiving. Just click the button on the right to go to our dedicated page. Thank you.

COVID Update Monday 17th May 2021

From Monday 17th May 2021 the NOA is pleased to re-open its reserve hides to single households at a time. We will still be advising the wearing of a face covering when in NOA hides. Your continued understanding and support is very much appreciated.




Trial of Booking System for NWT Holme Dunes From Saturday 24th April



Owing to recent visitor numbers, NWT Holme Dunes Reserve is trialling a booking system for its Car Park. Until 6th September 2021 those members and visitors wishing to park in the NWT Car Park will need to book online for Weekends, Bank Holidays, or in School Holidays to ensure they can get a place. Booking is not necessary outside these times, and is not required for access to any other part of the reserve. Parking remains free for NWT members and blue badge holders.
This may affect many of our members, and we would like to clarify that NOA members do not need to book to use the NOA car park at any time between dawn and dusk. For NOA members who also belong to NWT and wish to visit both reserves, please park in the NOA car park if you do not wish to book in advance for the Holme Dunes Reserve Car Park.

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