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 3rd April 2020

A cool but dry day, there was a bit more activity with 3+ Red Kites and 6+ Buzzards passing overhead during the day and 2 Snipe and 2 Ruff on the grazing marsh. A Peregrine flew low over the pines and the two Cetti's Warblers were shouting at each other along the Broadwater edge. Three Pink-feet were lingering on the marsh with 200 Brents still present. A Blackcap was singing in the village. The surprise of the day, however, was the presence of a Black Swan on the Broadwater looking quite at home among the Shelduck and Greylags!

In the moth trap 2 Early Greys, a Small Quaker, Powdered Quaker and a Red Chestnut were caught.

 Early Grey Moth

 Red Chestnut

 
A Distant pic of the Black Swan!


Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Cattle Egret Limpenhoe still in meadow by footpath TG.394.036
Norfolk Swallow flew west over Weybourne this morning
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle over Colney at 2.07pm
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle east of Norwich at Thorpe St.Andrew flew west over River Yare at 1.30pm
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh still
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Welney WWT still +2.Common Cranes
Norfolk Velvet Scoter y'day flew north past Hemsby
Norfolk Russian White-fronted Goose 1.5mls south of Thetford at Nunnery Lakes NR
Norfolk Sedge Warbler singing Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Caspian Gull on Wednesday Hemsby. On Monday 74.Russian White-fronted Geese flew east
Norfolk Raven East Barsham at church at 6.23am