Hazy sunshine throughout, but with a strengthening north-east breeze.
Highlights today were 30 Common Scoter offshore, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank , 9 Whimbrel, 87 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Terns, 2 Med Gulls, 2 Turtle Doves, 3 Cuckoos, a Barn Owl, 6 Swifts, a Hobby, 12 Swallows, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, a Grasshopper Warbler, 15 Sedge Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers, a Wheatear and a single Yellow Wagtail.
Around the reserve 2 Brown Argus, 3 Small Copper, 4 Wall Brown, 7 Green Hairstreak, 6 Orange Tip, 3 Green-veined White, 2 Large White and a Brimstone were recorded today, with a Large Red Damselfly at the pond.
Moths were very numerous today with 30 species recorded. New for the year were Pale Prominent, Turnip, Bordered White, Fern, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Sallow Kitten, Breckland Plume and Mottled Pug.
Below: Pale Prominent, Sallow Kitten, Bordered White, Breckland Plume, Fern, Mottled Pug and Red Twin-spot Carpet.
Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Whinchat Cley by Beach Road
Norfolk Great White Egret Heacham South Beach. 2.drk.Scaup on The Wash
Norfolk Spoonbill Heacham South Beach +2.Wood Sands 2.Turtle Doves
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes at 10am +2.Common Cranes
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands Snettisham at Ken Hill Marsh +3.Turtle Doves
Norfolk possible Black Kite SW of Norwich flew SSW over Eaton late morning
Norfolk BLACK KITE reported y'day Great Ellingham at 3.40pm then flew NE
Norfolk Wryneck Potter Heigham at Marsh Road at 8.45am (Spoonbill flew NW at 7.30am)
Norfolk Golden Oriole fem/1s.male flew west over West Runton at 7.08am
Norfolk Turtle Dove y'day Saddlebow flew north over power station at 7.45am
Norfolk Quail male singing near Grimston Warren in field south of Church Farm
Norfolk Black Redstart male singing Norwich at Westlegate still
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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.
