Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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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 Friday 15th May 2020

A day of lovely sunshine and light winds, there was a light passage of hirundines today with at least 30 Swallows trickling west and 3 Sand Martins and 2 House Martins among them. A single Golden Plover was on the grazing marsh with 3 Whimbrel, and 2 Cuckoos were calling on and off throughout the day. A Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Grasshopper Warbler were heard, with 10 Sedge and 3 Reed Warblers also noted. The colour-ringed Stonechat was on the east bank and 5 Wheatears, a Tree Sparrow and 3 Yellow Wagtails were also of interest.
 
Moths were a Small Elephant Hawk, Small Waved Umber, Northern Drab, Muslin, Heart & Dart, White Ermine, Buff Tip, Flame Shoulder and Grey Pine Carpet. Butterflies were numerous with Brown Argus, Small Copper, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip, Red Admiral, Wall Brown and Speckled Wood all noted today. A Hairy Hawker was around the pond in the morning but wouldn't sit still, so a photo of the Tamarisk in full flower, and the Small Waved Umber on the side of the ringing shed, are included.


 
Below: Small Waved Umber
 


Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS flew west over Kelling Quags early morning
Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS still 8.28am Cley NWT flew west over West Bank
Norfolk 2.BEE-EATERS Cley NWT flew west over East Bank 100yds north of A149 at 8.25am
Norfolk probable Red-necked Phal Cley NWT east of East Bank on Popes Pool (drk.Garganey North Marsh at 8.15am)
Norfolk Turtle Dove male singing y'day Setchey still at factory