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 8th June 2020

The 6 Spoonbills were again on the Broadwater and a Common Buzzard was catching voles just south of the Broadwater in the afternoon. Seven Sandwich Terns flew over calling and a summer plumage Golden Plover was on the grazing marsh. A young Tawny Owl could be heard squeaking in the pines near the Dell, and 2 adult Med Gulls were of note. Two Cuckoos were heard during the day and a Cetti's Warbler was heard by the Hun.

Moths were scarce today, but 2 Cinnabars, a Middle-barred Minor, White Ermine, Brown Rustic and Mottled Rustic were in the traps.


Middle-barred Minor

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 Rose-coloured Starling ad Roughton still at Orchard Close at 1pm NR11 8SR
Norfolk White-tailed Eagle reported y'day just west of Little Walsingham over rape field c4pm-5pm NR22 6AJ
Norfolk 22.Crossbills Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape flew west over Weavers' Way at 1.50pm
Norfolk BLYTH'S REED WARBLER singing 1ml NE of North Walsham at Pigneys Wood by canal +showing well. From car park walk to canal then left cTG.295.317
Norfolk BLYTH'S REED WARBLER singing still 12.30pm Sheringham at Beeston Bump on south side 75yds west of level crossing tho elusive cTG.169.430
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Blakeney Harbour still late morning
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN (Swedish-ringed) still 11.25am 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes at east end viewed from The Holt. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.438.193
Norfolk 12.Crossbills SW of Ludham near Johnson Street flew west over Buttle Marsh NR at 9.15am
Norfolk Spoonbill y'day Salthouse by Beach Road
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN (Swedish-ringed) still 8.55am 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes at east end (1s.Spoonbill at W end then flew north). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.438.193
Norfolk BLYTH'S REED WARBLER singing still 11.10am Sheringham at Beeston Bump on south side 75yds west of level crossing cTG.169.430
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN (Swedish-ringed) still 7.15am 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes at east end viewed from path by river. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.438.193
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN (Swedish-ringed) still 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes at east end viewed from The Holt at 6am. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE