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 HIDES RE-OPENING FROM MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2020

The NOA is opening hides on all reserves to members again from 14th September 2020. There are still some restrictions and please be aware that these are: Face coverings will be required in all NOA hides until further notice, unless you are exempt for wearing them. Only 2 people from different households may use any hide at one time. A single household of more than two people is permitted, provided no-one else is using it. We are still not able to admit visitors inside the Observatory centre at present. We regret the inconvenience to all our members and visitors caused by the loss of use of these facilities during the first five months of the COVID-19 outbreak. Please be considerate of the restrictions we have put in place, allowing us to restore access as safely as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 18th April 2020

Some welcome light rain this morning between 7 and 9.30, and the day remained cloudy with a lessening north-easterly breeze. On the sea today a 30 minute watch produced 3 Common Scoters west, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 2 Fulmars, an adult Gannet west and 6 Sandwich Terns passing eastwards. At least 52 Brent Geese were also moving between the marshes and shore, with 3 Wigeon and 3 Teal still around the Broadwater, and a Ruff flying east over Thornham Bank. A Cuckoo was calling near the Golf Course and 3 Swallows were noted in the village, with a Cetti's Warbler, 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 6 Sedge Warblers recorded.

In the moth traps a Grey Shoulder-Knot, Muslin and Small Quaker were of interest and another male Emperor hatched during the afternoon. No butterflies today despite the eventual warming of the reserve mid afternoon.

Grey Shoulder-Knot



Muslin Moth

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Great White Egret Cley NWT still by East Bank. 1w.Spoonbill flew over West Bank
Norfolk Great White Egret Blakeney Freshmarsh still this morning
Norfolk 2.Ring Ouzels (both males) just east of Morston in horse paddock