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 Wednesday 31st March 2021

Another nice day at the coast, with a degree of cloud cover adding more favorable conditions for migrants. Three male Ring Ouzels were on the NWT reserve, as was a Black Redstart and there was clearly a general increase in the number of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps on site. Eight Sand martins and a Swallow flew through heading west. Two Common Cranes were seen circling distantly over the mouth of Thornham Harbour.

The moth trap produced 10 Hebrew Characters, 8 Small Quaker, 3 Shoulder Stripe, 2 Early Thorn and single Dotted Chestnut, Red Chestnut, Common and Twin-Spot Quaker.

Dotted Chestnut

Male Ring Ouzel


Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Black Redstart Heacham South Beach
Norfolk Cattle Egret Burnham Norton from sea wall
Norfolk 2.Slav Grebes Ormesby Broad still north of road at 2.34pm
Norfolk Black Redstart west of Aylmerton still this morning
Norfolk Black Redstart King's Lynn at 155.Lynn Road this morning
Norfolk Long-tailed Duck Filby Broad still 1pm
Norfolk 6.Garganey (5.drks) Hockwold Washes at 11.46am. singing Sedge Warbler by river
Norfolk 2.Sedge Warblers Breydon Water at South Wall. Great White Egret flew over North Wall
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes flew over Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Sedge Warbler Hickling Broad NWT
Norfolk 3.Ring Ouzels Holme Dunes NWT at west end of horse paddocks near diggers
Norfolk Ring Ouzel male Felbrigg Hall NT still between church +lake at 9.57am
Norfolk Redstart reported Titchwell RSPB +Black Redstart
Norfolk 2+Ring Ouzels Holme Dunes NWT at west end of horse paddocks near diggers mid morning
Norfolk Hen Harrier male Halvergate Marshes at Stone Road
Norfolk 4.Garganey (2.drks) Hickling Broad NWT on Bishop's Marsh
Norfolk Sedge Warbler Halvergate Marshes at Stone Road
Norfolk Hen Harrier ringtail Horsey
Norfolk Garganey drk Snettisham RSPB on The Wash west of pits at 8.15am
Norfolk 3.Ring Ouzels y'day Felbrigg Hall in grass field east of lake at 6.45pm
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills y'day Holkham Freshmarsh late evng