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.

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