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 Friday 5th June 2020

More rain today though clearing in the afternoon. A Spoonbill was on the Broadwater and 7 Black-tailed Godwits were at the back of the grazing marshes. Two Turnstones flew over the pines, and a Cuckoo, Barn Owl, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge and Reed Warbler and a pair of Stonechats were recorded.

With the poor weather there were no butterflies or dragonflies again today, but moths today included 3 Small Elephant Hawks, a Silvery Y, a Willow Beauty, Treble Lines, Vine's Rustic, White Ermine, 5 Cinnabars, a Rosy Wave, Pine Hawk, Mottled Rustic and Smoky Wainscot.

At least 33 Early Marsh Orchids, ssp Coccinea, are flowering around the pond (photo below).



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 2.Crossbills just north of How Hill flew NE over Sharp Street at 2.40pm
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Cley NWT still by East Bank
Norfolk BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Hickling Broad NWT on new scrape near visitor centre early a'noon then flew north
Norfolk no sign of Little Stint Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape from Weavers' Way
Norfolk BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER till 11.15am 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes then flew towards Rush Hill Scrape. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.438.193