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 ObservatoryThursday 25th June 2020

A single adult Spoonbill was on the Broadwater early morning, along with two rather smart breeding plumaged Spotted Redshanks. A Tawny Owl was a surprise, flushed from the trapping area first thing, who immediately flew back into the Pines.
The moth trap produced 57 species, a big increase from yesterday with the catch including two Swallowtail moths, a Red-necked Footman, Kent Black Arches, Lime Spec Pug, White-line Dart, Beautiful Hook-tip and some smart micro moths, namely Pearl Grass-veneer and White-foot Bell.
Butterflies were also active in the sunshine with pride of place going to an approachable Comma, pictured below.

Comma

Distant Spotted Redshanks on the Broadwater

Red-necked Footman

White-foot Bell (Epilema foenella)


Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Great White Egret Dickleburgh Moor at 3pm
Norfolk 22.Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey still just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen at 10.54am. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk Turtle Dove male singing Snettisham RSPB still in car park at 7.30am
Norfolk RED-FOOTED FALCON fem St.Olaves flew over garden towards Ashby mid morning
Norfolk 5.probable Balearic S'waters flew east past Sheringham at 9am
Norfolk 3.Wood Sands reported y'day Welney WWT