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 – 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.

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 14th May 2020

A pleasant sunny day with light winds. A group of 30 Brent Geese flew east into Thornham Harbour, and a Spoonbill was asleep on the edge of the Broadwater mid morning. At least 3 Whimbrel and 100+ Black-tailed Godwits were on grazing marsh, and at least 3 Common Terns were around the Broadwater. Two Tawny Owls were calling in the pines and colour-ringed Stonechat 'Nigel' was around the east bank.

Moths were rather scant today but a superb Buff Tip was on the side of the ringing shed, and a Small Waved Umber, Green Carpet, Northern Drab and 3 White Ermines were recorded. Butterflies included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip and Wall Brown. Two Large Red Damselflies and a Four-spotted Chaser were around the pond.

Buff Tip Moth




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 dayNorfolk 3.BEE-EATERS east of Hindolveston flew east over Nethergate at 9.45am
Norfolk Garganey drk Hockwold Washes from public footpath
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still +Great White Egret still