Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – NOA RESERVES REMAIN CLOSED AT PRESENT. All NOA reserves remain closed at present, and following the lifting of some restrictions in England we would ask our members, visitors and volunteers to be patient while this situation continues. We are still some way from being able to provide a COVID secure environment for our staff and visitors. Broadwater Road is currently closed and NWT Holme Dunes reserve also remain closed. We do not yet have a date for opening. NOA hopes to restore some access at its reserves later this summer, and full details will appear on this website, but as we begin to resume reserve maintenance and repairs it could still be some weeks away and will remain limited while we find our ‘new normal’. Please bear with us, and we thank you again for your understanding and support.

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