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.

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 Monday 20th April 2020

A strong north-east breeze increasing through the day left things very quiet on the reserve with relatively few birds singing. A Whimbrel flew over calling and 2 Cuckoos were in the dunes during the morning. Two Whitethroats were also heard. A light passage of Swallows was noted during the early afternoon with 20 seen flying east along the Broadwater and grazing marsh.

In the moth trap cold winds had reduced the catch to just two moths; Small Quaker and Pine Beauty. In sheltered spots there were still plenty of butterflies with 12+ Green Hairstreaks seen around the reserve, a Speckled Wood, 2 Green-veined Whites and an Orange Tip noted. A further 2 Emperor Moths hatched during the day.

Speckled Wood, Pine Beauty and male Emperor Moth





Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Osprey west of Norwich till 12.32pm at Colney GPs then flew north
Norfolk 8.Arctic Terns flew east past Weybourne Camp 7.15-10.15am
Norfolk Osprey west of Norwich at Colney GPs at 12.31pm
Norfolk Ring Ouzel Wymondham still 12.04pm in 3rd paddock north of abbey along Tiffey Walk
Norfolk Ring Ouzel Wymondham in 3rd paddock north of abbey along Tiffey Walk at 11.05am
Norfolk Black Redstart fem/1w.male y'day between Blakeney +Morston still in field south of coastal path. male.Pied Fly on SW side of Kettlehill Plantation briefly 5pm
Norfolk 18.Arctic Terns flew NE over Felbrigg Park at 7.04am. male.Redstart Aylmerton in village
Norfolk 18.Arctic Terns flew NE over Felbrigg Park at 7.04am. male.Redstart Aylmerton in village
Norfolk Curlew Sand Breydon Water