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.

COVID Update Monday 17th May 2021

From Monday 17th May 2021 the NOA is pleased to re-open its reserve hides to single households at a time. We will still be advising the wearing of a face covering when in NOA hides. Your continued understanding and support is very much appreciated.




Trial of Booking System for NWT Holme Dunes From Saturday 24th April



Owing to recent visitor numbers, NWT Holme Dunes Reserve is trialling a booking system for its Car Park. Until 6th September 2021 those members and visitors wishing to park in the NWT Car Park will need to book online for Weekends, Bank Holidays, or in School Holidays to ensure they can get a place. Booking is not necessary outside these times, and is not required for access to any other part of the reserve. Parking remains free for NWT members and blue badge holders.
This may affect many of our members, and we would like to clarify that NOA members do not need to book to use the NOA car park at any time between dawn and dusk. For NOA members who also belong to NWT and wish to visit both reserves, please park in the NOA car park if you do not wish to book in advance for the Holme Dunes Reserve Car Park.

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 1st June 2020

Another fine, dry and sunny day with a persistent easterly breeze. A Spoonbill flew east just south of the Broadwater and a Greeshank flew over calling. 2 Cuckoos were around the reserves. A family of 15 Shelduck (thirteen small ducklings) was on the Broadwater and a family of Stonechats was around the Observatory mid afternoon.


Shelduck family on Broadwater

In the moth traps a Tawny Barred Angle, 2 Ferns, a Purple Bar, Green Carpet, 2 Pine Hawks, a Privet Hawk, 18 Cinnabars, 5 Marbled Minor sp, Common Carpet, The Rustic, a Breckland Plume, 3 Bordered Whites, 3 Heart & Darts, a Turnip, 2 White Ermines, a Small Elephant Hawk moth, Brown Rustic, 3 Sand Darts, 2 Treble Lines, a Pale Tussock, Vine's Rustic, 2 Mottled Rustic and a Common Pug were caught.

Below: Privet and Pine Hawk, Pale Tussock and Tawny Barred Angle






Butterflies were predominantly Small Heaths, and 2 Azure Damselflies, 3 Large Red Damselflies and 4 Four-spotted Chasers were counted around the pond.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk still no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall by mid a'noon
Norfolk 5.Turtle Doves Snettisham Coastal Park still
Norfolk White Stork Breydon Water South Wall early a'noon
Norfolk Wood Sand Hickling Broad NWT
Norfolk still no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall by 11am. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk still no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall by 9am. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s.male flew south over Breydon Water at 7.14am
Norfolk no sign of ad.Squacco Heron 2/3ml NW of Letheringsett at Bayfield Hall 5.30-7.20am. Park in Letheringsett +walk NW; do not park by Blakeney Road