Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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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.

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

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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