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 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
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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