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 Observatory Friday 25th September 2020

Conditions on the face of it seemed ideal for sea watching, but the wind strength and rain hampered viewing to a large degree with 12 Arctic Skua, 10 Kittiwakes, 6 Bonxies and a single Little Gull the best we could manage.

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 7.Arctic Skuas flew SW over King's Lynn at c3.55pm +Bonxie
Norfolk Leach's Petrel flew west past Sheringham at 3.41pm
Norfolk Leach's Petrel flew west past Sheringham at 3.41pm
Norfolk 2.Sabine's Gulls (both juvs) Sheringham flew east past east end of promenade: 1.at 2.45pm, 1.at 3.30pm
Norfolk Purple Sand juv Titchwell RSPB by pillbox near beach mid a'noon
Norfolk 60.Common Cranes Welney WWT between Lady Fen +Bank Farm viewable from visitor centre
Norfolk 13.Little Gulls flew past Weybourne in 2.hours
Norfolk Sooty S'water flew past Winterton
Norfolk 55.Common Cranes Welney WWT still between Lady Fen +Bank Farm viewable from visitor centre +5.Great White Egrets
Norfolk 2.skua sp Thetford flew south over Telford Way at 2.10pm
Norfolk 3.Long-tailed Skuas flew past Sheringham this morning
Norfolk 2.Arctic Skuas SW of Norwich flew west over Cringleford at 1.43pm
Norfolk 6.Little Gulls Titchwell RSPB +Curlew Sand Arctic Tern
Norfolk 87.Arctic Skuas NNW of King's Lynn flew over Lynn Point 9.02-1.17pm
Norfolk 2.Pom Skuas (both juvs) Cley flew east past beach car park 7.40am-11am (+Sooty S'water flew east +5.Little Gulls flew east +122.Bonxies flew east)
Norfolk Sabine's Gull juv flew west past Sheringham at 11.05am. juv.Long-tailed Skua flew east at 10.25am (+24.Little Gulls 146.Bonxies 68.Arctic Skuas)
Norfolk 40+Common Cranes Welney WWT still between Lady Fen +Bank Farm viewable from visitor centre
Norfolk 42.Arctic Skuas NNW of King's Lynn flew SW over Lynn Point 9.02-11am
Norfolk Scaup ad.drk flew north past Winterton
Norfolk Sooty S'water flew past Sheringham
Norfolk 8.Cattle Egrets Welney WWT on main lagoon +6+Great White Egrets
Norfolk 3.Leach's Petrels flew past Sheringham by 10.04am
Norfolk 24+Arctic Skuas NNW of King's Lynn flew SW over Lynn Point 9.02-9.39am +18.Bonxies flew over
Norfolk Little Gull ad Titchwell RSPB from Island Hide
Norfolk Leach's Petrel flew east past Sheringham at 8.45am