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 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