A cooler day with some mist coming in off the sea particularly in the morning. Warm sunshine won in the end! At Thornham Harbour 40+ Brent Geese were on the saltmarsh and at the morning high tide 29 Ringed Plovers had gathered. Four Whimbrel were feeding near Staithe Lane. Four Little Terns and 6 Sandwich Terns passed offshore, and 8 Golden Plover, six in summer plumage, landed at the back of the fresh marsh. Four Ruff also coming into summer plumage were also noted on the freshmarsh together with 20+ Avocets. A Cuckoo was calling from Thornham village. A Barn Owl was hunting along the approach track and 6 Swallows passed over, with 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 14 Sedge and 2 Reed Warblers counted in the recording area, while 2 Stonechats were of note.
Moths were sparse today in the cool wind, with 2 Northern Drabs, 2 Muslins, a Powdered Quaker and Shuttle-shaped Dart. A Large Red Damselfly was at the pond and two newts were active there, with 4 Green Hairstreaks also counted.
Below: Northern Drab, Powdered Quaker and Smooth Newt
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Norfolk Ring Ouzel Heacham South Beach this morningNorfolk Long-tailed Duck Cley flew west past beach car park
Norfolk Osprey flew west over Thornham Marsh late morning
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew west over Brundall at 11.40am
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew west over Rockland Broad late morning
Norfolk Short-eared Owl flew NE over Felmingham early morning
Norfolk Wryneck still Cley NWT by footpath then flew east of Old Woman's Lane +showing well (+Great White Egret Spoonbill)
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Norwich flew NW over city centre
Norfolk Hen Harrier male y'day near Chedgrave flew over Langley at midday
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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.
