Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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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 Sunday 10th May 2020

A rough north north-east wind dominated today with little sign of migration and many birds keeping to cover. A brief look at the sea produced 2 Common Terns east with a further two along the Broadwater and 2 Sandwich Terns flying the same way. A Spoonbill flew east over the grazing marsh and 75 Black-tailed Godwits were on the southern side. A Common Sandpiper was still on the edge of Broadwater and an immature Med Gull was of interest. A Cuckoo was calling first thing but soon gave up on its exploits! A Swallow and 9 House Martins were flying low in a sheltered spot at the east end of Holme village, and a Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroats, 6 Sedge Warblers, a Reed Warbler and a Bullfinch were counted.

There were no butterflies, but the overcast and warm night still produced come decent moths, including 2 Eyed Hawk Moths, a Small Elephant Hawk, 6 Northern Drabs, 8 Muslins, 10 Cinnabars, 2 Small Waved Umbers, a Ruby Tiger, a Yellow Belle, 3 Iron Prominents, 4 White Ermines, 2 Green Carpets, a Least Black Arches, 3 Treble Lines, a Bordered White, a Shears, Marbled Minor sp, Heart and Dart and Flame Shoulder.

Shears and Marbled Minor sp

 
 
Angle-barred Pug


 
 
Iron Prominent



Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk presumed escaped American Kestrel ad.male still 2mls W of Marham at Shouldham 200yds NW of bowling club in paddock N of Warren Oaks [bird is tame +there have been several escapes in recent years]. Don't enter paddock TF.675.095
Norfolk Short-eared Owl Cley NWT +7.Spoonbills
Norfolk Spoonbill y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh +2.Arctic Terns
Norfolk no sign of Great Reed Warbler Cley NWT north of visitor centre early morning
Norfolk Black Redstart male singing Norwich at St.Stephens Square then flew to Coburg Street
Norfolk Quail male singing y'day Cawston at Eastgate at 6pm
Norfolk Ruddy Shelduck y'day 1.5mls south of Thetford at Nunnery Lakes NR