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 Saturday 19th December 2020

An improving day with sunshine but blustery showers. On the sea today an Eider, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 30 Common Scoters, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Fulmars, a Gannet, 7 Great Crested Grebes and 3 Little Gulls were recorded. A Great White Egret flew over the grazing marshes south mid morning and a Black-tailed Godwit was also of note. A juvenile Peregrine was hunting over the pines giving good views, and among the Brent Geese on the marsh a Pale-bellied Brent was still present.

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 14.Snow Buntings Winterton-on-Sea flew south from groyne.59
Norfolk Iceland Gull juv Weybourne still on beach west of beach car park at 1.57pm tho mobile
Norfolk Slav Grebe Ormesby Broad still
Norfolk 2.Tundra Bean Geese between Thornham + Choseley but no sign of Todd's Canada Goose
Norfolk Iceland Gull Thetford at Nunnery Lakes NR on flood on west side of Little Ouse River briefly 8.48am but no further sign by 11.30am
Norfolk 3.Purple Sands Sheringham on rocks by Wee Retreat this morning
Norfolk Snow Bunting east of Holkham Gap still at roped-off area at 12.16pm TF.899.460
Norfolk Scaup fem Barton Broad still
Norfolk Hen Harrier male Winterton North Dunes at 12.04pm
Norfolk Water Pipit Thornham harbour at 11.42am
Norfolk 2.Iceland Gulls (both juvs) Winterton still on North Beach
Norfolk Y-br.Wblr Snettisham Coastal Park by Beach Road by Shepherds Port at 11.45am with tit flock
Norfolk 11.Snow Buntings Horsey flew south along beach at 11.22am
Norfolk Little Stint ad Snettisham RSPB still on The Wash at 11.21am
Norfolk Long-tailed Duck Filby Broad still from viewing platform at 11.10am
Norfolk Water Pipit Titchwell RSPB still along north bank of freshmarsh at 9.33am
Norfolk Velvet Scoter drk Cley off coastguards at 9.35am
Norfolk 9.Cattle Egrets Welney WWT still
Norfolk Red-necked Grebe Titchwell RSPB still on sea at 8.29am +2.Slav Grebes 4.Long-tailed Duck. 2.Great Northern Divers flew past