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 Thursday 11th February 2021



Kingfisher and Reed Bunting photographed at Thornham by John Warham

Another day of lying snow, with a hard frost. Broadwater was largely frozen with over 500 Wigeon concentrated at the west end, and 900+ Pink-feet on the marsh nearby. At least 185 Snipe were counted during the day with many feeding near the sea wall at Thornham in the afternoon. Two Peregrines were also squabbling over the back of Drove Orchards and a Water Rail was heard near the sluice. At least 3 Woodcock were seen and a Barn Owl was hunting in the village. On the beach thousands of gulls and waders were feeding together.

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk 8.Russian White-fronted Geese Buckenham Marshes RSPB still
Norfolk Grey Phal flew past Cley +juv.Iceland Gull flew east
Norfolk Lammergeier ad reported 4mls ESE of Dereham at Mattishall over Back Lane at 11.34am
Norfolk no sign of ad.Lammergeier SW of Bawdeswell opposite Bawdeswell Heath in NW corner of Bylaugh Park
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew SE over North Lopham at 8.30am
Norfolk Scaup 1w.fem Whitlingham Ctry Park still at Great Broad just east of jetty. Bittern by viewing screen