Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – Tuesday 29th DECEMBER 2020

Further to the announcement of a Tier 4 (Stay at home) lockdown in Norfolk, the NOA has closed all hides on its nature reserves. While we would discourage anyone from travelling too far during this crucial time, our reserves themselves will remain open for local visitors and usual charges will apply for non-members. Please follow government advice, and respect social distancing at all times. We will restore access to our facilities as and when government restrictions permit.

We are very grateful for your understanding and support.

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 25th August 2020

Storm Francis made birding difficult with heavy rain followed by very high winds. However, the Wryneck on the NWT reserve was still present and 2 Great White Egrets were seen over the grazing marsh at 8.15am. Also of interest were 150+ Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Snipe, 5 Common and 1 Green Sandpiper. A juvenile Turtle Dove and 2 Stonechats were also seen in the dunes.

The moth catch today was crowned by a fabulous Convolvulus Hawk Moth, but other migrants were also noted: 2 Rusty-dot Pearls, a Rush Veneer and a Pale Mottled Willow were also caught. Also of interest were 9 Silver Ys, 9 Archer's Darts, a Green Carpet, 4 White-lined Darts, 2 Cloaked Minors, a Common Wainscot, 9 Setaceous Hebrew Characters, a Shuttle-shaped Dart, 26 Large Yellow Underwings, 18 Flounced Rustics, 8 Vine's Rustic, 2 White Point, a Mother-of-pearl, a Square Spot Rustic, Flame Shoulder, Single Dotted Wave, 2 Dingy Footmen, Smoky Wainscot, Gold Spot, Straw Underwing, Turnip and Six-striped Rustic.

 
Turtle Dove

 
Convolvulus Hawk Moth

 

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk 2.Pom Skuas (both ads) flew west past Cley 8.10am-12.15pm (+Curlew Sand flew east)
Norfolk Long-tailed Skua subad flew past Cley this a'noon +ad.pale morph.Pom Skua tho distant
Norfolk 15.Spotted Redshanks Snettisham RSPB on South Pit at midday
Norfolk Great White Egret y'day Holme Dunes still
Norfolk Curlew Sand Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh early morning