Another blustery but bright day, with a Spoonbill on the Broadwater and 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Whimbrel and a single Golden Plover on the grazing marshes. Two Cuckoos were calling and 8 Swifts were feeding over the marsh, with a Swallow, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 4 Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler of note. A male Stonechat was on the east bank and a Wheatear was on the grazing marsh.
A few butterflies were present with Small Heath, Small Copper, 3 Brown Argus, 2 Wall Brown and an Orange Tip recorded during the day.
Moths were scarce, with 2 Northern Drab, 2 White Ermine, a Muslin, 2 Cinnabar, a Heart & Dart and a Light Brown Apple Moth the only species caught.
A Large Red Damselfly was at the pond, and 2 newts were still present.
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)
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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.
