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-19 Update Monday 12th April 2021

Further to the lifting of restrictions on Monday 12th April 2021 the NOA reserves and car parks remain open to visitors but hides remain closed. We are hoping to be able to open hides to visitors on Monday 17th May 2021 in line with expected changes to government restrictions, and will post further updates on this page prior to the changes commencing.
We continue to thank all our members and visitors for their patience, and for continuing to keep our staff and visitors safe.



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 29th June 2020

Another unseasonal and blustery day with many birds keeping their heads down! A Common Sandpiper was on the edge of the Broadwater, and 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers and 2 Reed Warblers were counted, while a juvenile Stonechat was near the Observatory, and 3 Crossbills flew west over the village at 8.45am.


A female Common Darter managing to settle in the strong winds.

Moths were down on previous days but even so 2 Middle-barred Minors, 2 Shoulder-striped Wainscots, 2 Sand Darts, 3 Large Yellow Underwings, a Yellow Tail, Shore Wainscot, Uncertain, Bright-line Brown-eye, 3 Mottled Rustics, a Nutmeg, Buff Ermine, Clay and Common Rustic were in the traps.

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 6,551.Swifts flew south over California 4.25-7.25am
Norfolk Wood Sand Hickling Broad NWT
Norfolk no further sign of Alpine Swift Winterton by mid morning
Norfolk ALPINE SWIFT still Winterton over The Holway at 5.49am