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-19 Update Monday 12th April 2021

Further to the lifting of restrictions on Monday 12th April 2021 the NOA reserves and car parks remain open to visitors but hides remain closed. We are hoping to be able to open hides to visitors on Monday 17th May 2021 in line with expected changes to government restrictions, and will post further updates on this page prior to the changes commencing.
We continue to thank all our members and visitors for their patience, and for continuing to keep our staff and visitors safe.



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 Monday 15th February 2021

As the thaw began today flocks of mixed waders were on the grazing marshes, and 8 Woodcock were still around the pines and car parks. A Cetti's Warbler and 2 Bearded Tits were heard near Thornham sluice. A flock of 11 Barnacle Geese were seen coming in off the sea from the north west.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk 5.Cattle Egrets Welney by 100.foot River near suspension bridge mid a'noon
Norfolk Lammergeier ad east of East Dereham +just east of North Tuddenham flew east over pig farm by A47 near Mattishall turning at 1pm
Norfolk Black-necked Grebe still early a'noon Whitlingham Ctry Park at Great Broad
Norfolk COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL (form exilipes) north of Wells at Wells Woods in birches just before Dell from centre track at 1pm (+3.Mealy Redpolls)
Norfolk 2.Water Pipits Buckenham Marshes RSPB this morning +4.Great White Egrets
Norfolk Black-necked Grebe Whitlingham Ctry Park at Great Broad at 10.33am (not Slav Grebe)
Norfolk Slav Grebe Whitlingham Ctry Park still 10.27am at Great Broad +1w.fem.Scaup but no sign of redhead Smew
Norfolk 2.Cattle Egrets Welney WWT still +8.Common Cranes again
Norfolk Slav Grebe Whitlingham Ctry Park at Great Broad by island
Norfolk Lammergeier ad reported y'day flew over Lenwade [seen from moving vehicle]
Norfolk Bittern y'day Whitlingham Ctry Park still at Great Broad mid a'noon