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 3rd May 2020

A calm and mild day but with light rain in the afternoon. Another rather quiet day for migrants with a Red Kite drifting south over the pines mid morning and on the grazing marsh 4 Golden Plover and 6+ Whimbrel were still present. Four Swifts were over the marshes and a House Martin at the east end of the village, with at least 4 Cetti's Warblers in fine voice and 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroats, 12 Sedge Warblers and 3 Reed Warblers counted around the recording area. A pair of Bullfinches was also of interest. A Tawny Owl flew across the reserve mid afternoon, and 2 Spoonbills flew east over the Broadwater.

The moth traps were productive with several new species for the year. The total catch was; a Chocolate Tip, Swallow Prominent, Heart & Dart, Green Carpet, Light Brown Apple Moth, Cochylis atricapitana, Isotrias rectifascianus, White Ermine, Water Carpet, 2 Small Elephant Hawk, 3 Northern Drab and 6 Muslin.

Below: Green Carpet, Heart and Dart, Small Elephant Hawk and Water Carpet




 
 
A further surprise was in the Observatory, when one of last year's Eyed Hawk Moth cocoons hatched!






Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Great White Egret Blakeney Freshmarsh still at Great Barnett at 10am
Norfolk Spoonbill Heacham South Beach +4.Turtle Doves
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Blakeney Freshmarsh still
Norfolk no sign of any Dotterel 1.5mls south of Southery +east of A10 at Sedge Fen by Sedge Fen Road in field near Sedge Fen Farm early a'noon
Norfolk 3.Turtle Doves Snettisham Coastal Park
Norfolk Wood Sand Cley NWT
Norfolk 8.Dotterel 1.5mls south of Southery +east of A10 at Sedge Fen by Sedge Fen Road in field near Sedge Fen Farm
Norfolk Osprey flew north over Stoke Holy Cross at 9.45am