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 – Tuesday 29th DECEMBER 2020

Further to the announcement of a Tier 4 (Stay at home) lockdown in Norfolk, the NOA has closed all hides on its nature reserves. While we would discourage anyone from travelling too far during this crucial time, our reserves themselves will remain open for local visitors and usual charges will apply for non-members. Please follow government advice, and respect social distancing at all times. We will restore access to our facilities as and when government restrictions permit.

We are very grateful for your understanding and support.

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 4th May 2020

Another springlike day, starting off misty and overcast with sunny spells later in the day. A Green Sandpiper flew over the marsh in the morning and a Common Tern was fishing over the Broadwater. Five Whimbrel and 2 Curlew were on the grazing marsh, and 11 Black-tailed Godwits were on the NWT pools. Two Cuckoos were heard during the day, and 2 Swifts, 3 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 7 Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler were counted around the recording area. A Red Kite was drifting east over the marsh and at least 13 Pochard were on the edge of Broadwater.

Moths in the traps were a Small Waved Umber, Cinnabar, 2 Cochylis atricapitana, 2 Heart & Dart, a Small Elephant Hawk, Angle Shades, 5 Muslin, a Treble Lines, Chocolate Tip and a Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet. Five Green Long-horn Moths were at the west end of the reserve in the afternoon.

Butterflies included 10 Green Hairstreaks, a Red Admiral, 5 Orange Tips, 3 Green-veined White, a Large White and 2 Small Coppers.

A newly hatched Broad-bodied Chaser was near the Dell.

Below: Dark-barred Twin Spot Carpet, Treble Lines, and dust-bathing Pheasant





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 report of White-tailed Eagle Ditchingham was a hoax
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle ad (ringed +wing-tagged) 3/4ml north of Ditchingham at Belsey Bridge on pole at 8am then flew off
Norfolk Garganey Hockwold Washes early morning
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still. Y'day Short-eared Owl
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes flew SE over Felbrigg at 10.32am
Norfolk Osprey Colney GPs at 10.45am
Norfolk Osprey Norwich flew south over New Costessey at 10.30am
Norfolk 3.Common Cranes flew west over Northrepps mid morning