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 Friday 22nd May 2020

A rough south-west wind kept many birds hunkered down, though sunshine dominated in the afternoon. A group of 11 Brent Geese flew east towards Thornham mid-morning and 2 Sandwich and 2 Common Terns flew west along the Broadwater. There was a marked passage of Swifts west during the day, with many seen over the pines and grazing marshes. Four Swallows and a House Martin were also noted around the village with Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroats, 7 Sedge and 2 Reed Warblers also seen.

Moths were the highlight of the day with 35 species recorded. There were singles of Poplar, Eyed and Privet Hawk, 6 Small Elephant Hawks, a male Fox Moth, Scalloped Hazel, a Flame Wainscot, 5 Sand Darts, an Iron Prominent, one White Colon, a Buff Tip, Grey Pine Carpet, Dark Brocade, 2 Brown Rustics and a Spectacle among the catch.

Below: Privet Hawk Moth, Scalloped Hazel, Fox Moth, Flame Wainscot






Butterflies were scarce in the strong winds but 8+ Brown Argus were counted and a Common Blue was of note as well. A Four-spotted Chaser was on the pond.

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 Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Spoonbill Cley NWT on North Scrape
Norfolk Great White Egret Hickling Broad NWT still
Norfolk RED-THROATED PIPIT West Runton briefly c6.30am then flew west