Holme Bird Observatory 31st July 2019

The biggest surprise today was a Fieldfare in the pines behind the Observatory. More expected were a Great White Egret on the Grazing Marsh, Green Sandpiper in front of the NWT hides and two Wood and two Green Sandpipers on Redwell Marsh.

South Westerly winds, at the end of July, and just what you'd expect, a Fieldfare !

Migrant Hawker staying down low out of the wind.

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 Norfolk 10+Wood Sands 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes in SE corner. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Welney WWT still at Lady Fen
Norfolk Fieldfare Holme NOA
Norfolk 2.Little Stints Titchwell RSPB still +2.Curlew Sands still +Wood Sand still
Norfolk Wood Sand Holme Dunes still by entrance track +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Wood Sand Holme at Redwell Marsh NOA still

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 30th July 2019

A Great White Egret was viewable on the marsh from the approach track early morning and a Cuckoo was also around the pines near the Obs. A Wood Sandpiper was on Redwell Marsh, with both Common and Green Sandpiper present too.

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Norfolk 4.Wood Sands just east of Wells still 3.15pm on scrape accessed from track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station. Park sensibly TF.932.431
Norfolk Pied Fly Winterton South Dunes by oaks tho elusive
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands Buckenham Marshes RSPB still from hide
Norfolk 21.Wood Sands Cley NWT still on Pat's Pool
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands just east of Wells on scrape accessed from track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station. Park sensibly TF.932.431
Norfolk 10.Wood Sands Cley NWT still from Daukes' Hide at 8am
Norfolk Wood Sand Walsey Hills NOA still at Snipe's Marsh
Norfolk Quail male singing Choseley drying barns by pig field
Norfolk 8.Common Cranes Welney WWT
Norfolk Pied Fly Brancaster on fence by beach car park at 8.45am. 3.Spoonbills on saltmarsh
Norfolk Black Tern Breydon Water briefly +Spoonbill
Norfolk Beautiful Marbled moth Holme trapped

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 29th July 2019

On the sea today 2 Eiders and 2 Gannets were of note and elsewhere a Red Kite drifted along the ridge, and a Great White Egret was on the NWT reserve together with 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper and 5 Wood Sandpipers.

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Norfolk 28+Wood Sands Cley NWT still +Curlew Sand
Norfolk Curlew Sand Breydon Water still late morning +Little Stint
Norfolk 20+Wood Sands Cley NWT still at Pat's Pool /Simmonds' Scrape +Little Stint
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands Cantley beet factory still
Norfolk Turtle Dove juv Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands Walsey Hills NOA at Snipe's Marsh early morning
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands Buckenham Marshes RSPB still
Norfolk 3.Spoonbills Sheringham flew west early morning
Norfolk Quail male singing y'day Kelling Water Meadow +3.Wood Sands
Norfolk 2.Garganey Titchwell RSPB +Great White Egret
Norfolk 3.Little Stints Titchwell RSPB still +7.Curlew Sands 11.Wood Sands
Norfolk Wood Sand south of Cawston flew north over Brandiston at 6.14am
Norfolk Wood Sand y'day Norwich flew west over New Costessey at 11.08pm [heard only]. Wood Sand flew NW over Hellesdon at c10.55pm [heard only]
Norfolk Wood Sand y'day Norwich flew west over New Costessey at 11.08pm [heard only]. Wood Sand flew NW over Hellesdon at c10.55pm [heard only]
Norfolk 5.Ruddy Shelducks flew west past Sheringham at 5.50am

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 28th July 2019

An excellent day with rain bringing down large numbers of waders including 70+ Whimbrel passing over during the day, 120+ Black-tailed Godwits on the beach and moving east over the grazing marshes, with many landing on the NWT pools, at least 20 Common Sandpipers were around the Broadwater with 5 Wood Sandpipers, 5 Greenshank, 2 Ruff and at least one Green Sandpiper also seen. A Great White Egret was showing well early afternoon, and two Cattle Egrets dropped in briefly at the back of the grazing marsh before moving off east. A family of Stonechats was again around the east bank with Lesser Whitethroat also noted.

In the moth traps 7 Garden Tigers, 2 Pine Hawks, a male Oak Eggar, a Lilac Beauty, Buff Tip, Rosy Minor and Buff Ermine were among the catch.

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Norfolk 32.Wood Sands Cley NWT still mid a'noon from Daukes' Hide +Little Stint
Norfolk 2.Continental Black-tailed Godwits (nominate form limosa; 1.colour-ringed) Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk 2.Black Terns (ad +juv) Cley flew west past beach car park at 1.20pm
Norfolk Wood Sand Stiffkey Fen still midday +25+Spoonbills still
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands Buckenham Marshes RSPB still from hide at 1pm +Little Stint
Norfolk 5.Wood Sands Holme Dunes at Broadwater at midday +Great White Egret
Norfolk Wood Sand 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes +11.Spoonbills still. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands Blakeney Point mid morning: 1.on Far Point, 3.flew west +Black Tern
Norfolk Turtle Dove Snettisham RSPB still
Norfolk Little Gull Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape late morning +Sanderling
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands Northrepps circled over Hungry Hill then flew west
Norfolk c40.Wood Sands Cley NWT +16.Curlew Sands on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL Titchwell RSPB flew east over main footpath at 10.23am
Norfolk 30+Wood Sands Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide at c10.20am +12+Curlew Sands
Norfolk 2.Little Stints Cley NWT from Daukes' Hide
Norfolk 21.Wood Sands Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape +2.Curlew Sands
Norfolk 3.Wood Sands y'day just east of Wells on scrape accessed from track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance at 9pm. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station. Park sensibly

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 27th July 2019

A juvenile Purple Heron was seen briefly on the NWT grazing marsh at 9.20. A Hobby flew east over the pines mid morning.

In the moth traps an Elephant Hawk moth, Poplar Hawk and 2 Pine Hawks, Oak Eggar, Buff Footman, 3 Least Carpet, 2 Flounced Rustic, 1 Antler, Kent Black Arches and Scalloped Oak were among the species caught.

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Norfolk c33.Spoonbills Stiffkey Fen
Norfolk Little Stint Titchwell RSPB +21.Spoonbills
Norfolk 5+Wood Sands Potter Heigham Marshes this a'noon
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands Titchwell RSPB flew over Patsy's Reedbed towards Freshmarsh att 11.45am
Norfolk 2+Wood Sands Potter Heigham Marshes at 11.45am
Norfolk Wood Sand Potter Heigham Marshes +Garganey 12.Spoonbills
Norfolk 3.Wood Sands Cley NWT on Pat's Pool at 11.23am +2.Spotted Redshanks Garganey Continental Black-tailed Godwit
Norfolk Purple Heron juv Holme again on oxbow at 9.20am
Norfolk Great White Egret Titchwell RSPB +18.Spoonbills 4.Curlew Sands
Norfolk 6.Wood Sands Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Norfolk 5.Wood Sands Buckenham Marshes RSPB on pool opposite hide

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 26th July 2019

A Great White Egret was seen during the morning and a Great Crested Grebe was on the Broadwater. 100+ Black-tailed Godwits were of note together with a Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank and a Snipe. A Turtle Dove was in the dunes and 150+ Swallows were gathering around the village and reserves. A family of Stonechats was on the east bank.

Moths included Pine Hawk, another Marbled Clover, Knot Grass, Rosy Minor, 2 Drinkers, 2 Garden Tigers, a female Oak Eggar and a Leopard Moth.

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Norfolk Wood Sand Cley NWT still in NE corner of Pat's Pool mid a'noon
Norfolk 3.Curlew Sands Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh +11+Spoonbills still
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Welney WWT still at Lady Fen
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv y'day Cley NWT on Pat's Pool in evng. Recently 7.Caspian Gulls
Norfolk Wood Sand just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track north of A149 +1/3ml east of steam railway entrance at 8.30am. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk 2.Black Terns Cley flew west past beach car park at 10.10am
Norfolk Curlew Sand Breydon Water
Norfolk Curlew Sand Titchwell RSPB still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Purple Heron juv still Titchwell RSPB early morning then flew west over Thornham village

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 25th July 2019

A day of record heat, with an easterly breeze bringing some respite in the afternoon. Highlights included 65 Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper, a Green Woodpecker in the pines, single Lesser Whitethroat and Stonechat.

In the moth traps 86 species included 2 Marbled Clover, Shore Wainscot, 7 Garden Tigers, a White Point, 2 Drinkers, and a Buff Tip.

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Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT still +Common Crane still
Norfolk 6.Spoonbills (3.juvs) Snettisham RSPB from Shore Hide +3.Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk Great White Egret Strumpshaw Fen RSPB from reception
Norfolk Little Gull 2w Cley NWT still on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk 3.Spoonbills Cley NWT still on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk Osprey Titchwell RSPB again
Norfolk Curlew Sand Titchwell RSPB still +Great White Egret still
Norfolk Purple Heron juv still Titchwell RSPB in flight over East Bank

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 24th July 2019

An Osprey initially picked up heading west over Titchwell, was seen circling over the western edge of Thornham Harbour from the Observatory mid morning. A flock of 53 Black-tailed Godwits were on the edge of the Broadwater and a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling early morning along the entrance track.

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Norfolk Black Tern Wells over channel north of coastguard station mid a'noon
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Welney WWT still at Lady Fen
Norfolk Curlew Sand Titchwell RSPB still +17.Spoonbills still
Norfolk no sign of ad.Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB 9.30am-1pm
Norfolk Purple Heron Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Turtle Dove Titchwell RSPB still at Tank Road
Norfolk Osprey Thornham harbour
Norfolk Osprey Titchwell RSPB again flew west mid morning
Norfolk 1,900+Med Gulls y'day Breydon Water in evng
Norfolk Great White Egret Titchwell RSPB still
Norfolk Garganey Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh +Spoonbill 3.Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk Caspian Gull near-ad y'day Cley NWT in evng +3.juv.Spoonbills Wood Sand 2w.Little Gull

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 23rd July 2019

A Great White Egret was present on the Broadwater early morning, with at least eight Little Egrets also present.

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Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still mid a'noon Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Cley NWT still on Simmonds' Scrape this morning +Spotted Redshank still
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Welney WWT still at Lady Fen
Norfolk Wood Sand still this a'noon Cley NWT on west side of Pat's Pool
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad again Titchwell RSPB on Tidal Marsh late morning
Norfolk Wood Sand still Cley NWT at north end of Pat's Pool from Teal Hide at 10.07am
Norfolk Little Stint Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh +11.Spoonbills Great White Egret 3.Spotted Redshanks Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa)
Norfolk no sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field c300yds west of pumping station

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 22nd July 2019

On the sea today 2 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmars, 14 Gannets, an Arctic Skua, 3 Little Terns, 5 Common Terns and 70+ Sandwich Terns were recorded. A Spoonbill flew west along the Broadwater mid afternoon and a Green Sandpiper was on the NWT reserve. A Knot, 7 Dunlin, 35 Sanderling, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits and 10 Black-tailed Godwits were also reported.

An Obscure Wainscot was a good moth for the Observatory, among an otherwise small catch of common species.

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Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad again 1.57pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Parrinder Hide
Norfolk 2.Lesser Emperor dragonflies Felbrigg Hall NT still at lake this a'noon
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 1.11pm Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field c300yds west of pumping station
Norfolk Curlew Sand Snettisham RSPB this morning at high tide +2.Little Stints ad.Black Tern 11.Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk still no further sign of ad.Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB by midday (nor Curlew Sand but 9.Spoonbills still)
Norfolk no further sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field west of pumping station by c12.30pm TG.486.063
Norfolk 2.Caspian Gulls (2s +juv) Cromer still on beach this morning
Norfolk 11.Spoonbills 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk no further sign of ad.Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB by c10.15am
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field west of pumping station at 9.59am TG.486.063
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes Welney WWT at Lady Fen
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still Titchwell RSPB on Tidal Marsh at 8.01am
Norfolk Quail y'day Sheringham in morning
Norfolk 2.Continental Black-tailed Godwits (nominate form limosa) y'day Titchwell RSPB in evng

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 21st July 2019

An Osprey flew over south west. 2 Turtle Doves and a juvenile Cuckoo were in the dunes and a Green Sandpiper was on the NWT pools. Other birds of note included 137 Black-tailed Godwits, 280 Sandwich Terns, 66 Little Terns and 3 Common Terns fishing in Thornham Harbour at high tide.

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Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still 3.35pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh
Norfolk Honey Buzzard again 1.5mls WNW of Hevingham over Buxton Heath at 10.30am
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 3pm Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field west of pumping station TG.486.063
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 1.30pm Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field west of pumping station TG.486.063
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still 1.20pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+Curlew Sand still)
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 12.20pm Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field west of pumping station TG.486.063
Norfolk Osprey flew SW over Holme Dunes at 12.15pm
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still midday Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+Curlew Sand still)
Norfolk TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL fem/juv Titchwell flew west past In Focus at 11.41am
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still Breydon Water south of South Wall in horse field
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still 10.45am Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+Curlew Sand still +17.Spoonbills)
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still 9.30am Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Parrinder Hide
Norfolk Quail male singing c3/4ml SW of Blakeney off B1156 in field near Galley Hill Farm early morning
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh mid morning
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cromer still near pier
Norfolk reported Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at c7.10am is a Common Sand
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at back of fenced area from path by Island Hide at c7.10am tho distant then walked out of view
Norfolk Curlew Sand Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh

HEMPTON MOTH DAY RESULTS!!

Many thanks to those who came to our moth day at Hempton Marsh today. We had a terrific catch despite wet and windy conditions, with some species remaining to be identified, but overall 545 moths of 105+ species were counted!!

This included 18 Poplar, 4 Elephant, and Eyed Hawk Moths, Garden Tiger, Large Emerald, Dingy Shears, 2 Suspected, Minor Shoulder-knot, Rosy Footman, 3 Sharp-angled Carpet, Black-neck, Peppered Moth, Beautiful Hook-tip, 3 Burnished Brass, 2 Antler, Iron Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pale Prominent, Buff Tip, White Satin, Crescent, Scalloped Oak, Broad-barred White, Lesser Cream Wave, 2 Water Veneer, Small Dotted Buff, 7 Double Lobed, not to mention 75 Mothers-of-Pearl!

Don't forget we will be moth trapping at Drove Orchards on Saturday 3rd August 2019 so please come and see what we have caught!

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 20th July 2019

On the sea today 15 Common Scoters, 1 Gannet, 210 Sandwich Terns, and 6 Common Terns were seen. Also of interest were a Spoonbill, and 64 Black-tailed Godwits.

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Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad still 3.13pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+Curlew Sand)
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still mid a'noon Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of pumping station TG.486.063
Norfolk SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER ad again Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Island Hide at 1.45pm
Norfolk Wood Sand Cley NWT on Pat's Pool this morning 2w.Little Gull
Norfolk Scaup Snettisham RSPB this morning +7.Spoonbills 11.Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 11.55am Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of pumping station TG.486.063
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 11.10am Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of pumping station +showing well TG.486.063
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad again Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of metal wind pump at 10.45am
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Cley NWT from Babcock Hide
Norfolk no sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water off South Wall by mid morning
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT still on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk 2.Turtle Doves Snettisham RSPB on beach near causeway between southern pits mid morning
Norfolk 16.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh
Norfolk no sign of ad.Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh
Norfolk no news on Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk 4.Spotted Redshanks y'day Cantley Marshes RSPB. 2.Spotted Redshanks Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Norfolk 4.Spotted Redshanks y'day Cantley Marshes RSPB. 2.Spotted Redshanks Buckenham Marshes RSPB

HEMPTON MARSH MOTH DAY SATURDAY 20TH JULY

Our moth day at Hempton Marsh is taking place as planned. Come and join us as we empty the traps on the marsh at 10 am. It may be a wet morning, but we hope to have plenty of moths on display!

We are not expecting to be able to give a ringing demonstration on Saturday due to rain, but if conditions improve we will go ahead with this also.

See you there!

NOA

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 19th July 2019

Seawatching today produced 8 Common Scoters, 4 Gannets, 2 Little Terns, 5 Common Terns and over 300 Sandwich Terns on the beach, and 3 juvenile Med Gulls also seen. A flock of 190 Black-tailed Godwits was on the Broadwater.

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Norfolk probable Semipalmated Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at 4pm tho distant
Norfolk Honey Buzzard 1.5mls WNW of Hevingham flew west over Buxton Heath
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape mid a'noon +Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa) still
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cromer still at beach this morning
Norfolk Spoonbill Cley NWT still on Pat's Pool this morning
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Cley NWT still on Pat's Pool this morning +Spotted Redshank still
Norfolk Cattle Egret Welney WWT again on Lady Fen from visitor centre
Norfolk still no sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of metal wind pump by 8.45am
Norfolk Curlew Sand ad still Cley NWT on Pat's Pool from Bishop's Hide at 8.08am +Wood Sand
Norfolk Black Tern flew west past Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk 10.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh +3.Spotted Redshanks still
Norfolk no sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of metal wind pump by 6.41am

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 18th July 2019

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Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cromer by pier this evng
Norfolk 11.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh this evng
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 9pm Breydon Water south of South Wall in field SW of metal wind pump
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still 8.10pm Breydon Water by South Wall in field SW of metal wind pump
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad still c7.30pm Breydon Water by South Wall off pumping station then flew to field SW of metal wind pump
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad again 6.35pm Breydon Water by South Wall off pumping station with 4.Golden Plovers
Norfolk Black Tern flew east past Sheringham early evng
Norfolk still no further sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water by South Wall by late a'noon
Norfolk 4+Spoonbills just east of Wells still at North Point Pools by track N.of A149 +1/3ml E.of steam railway entrance. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk Black Tern Cley flew west past beach car park at 1.45pm
Norfolk no further sign of ad.Pacific Golden Plover Breydon Water by South Wall by early a'noon
Norfolk Great White Egret Cley NWT flew west over Arnold's Marsh at 1.10pm
Norfolk Spotted Redshank Cley NWT still from Daukes' Hide mid morning
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Cley NWT on Arnold's Marsh this a'noon +ad.Spoonbill
Norfolk 2.Spotted Redshanks Titchwell RSPB from Island Hide +Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa)
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Snettisham RSPB still +Black Tern
Norfolk 23.Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen at 11.04am. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Cley NWT
Norfolk Little Gull Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape
Norfolk Spoonbill Cley NWT still 9.58am +2.fem.Continental Black-tailed Godwits (nominate form limosa)
Norfolk 11.Spoonbills 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes +Garganey Spotted Redshank. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Purple Emperor butterfly y'day Foxley
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad till 7.25am Breydon Water by South Wall at small wind pump then flew NW
Norfolk repeat: PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad Breydon Water by South Wall at small wind pump at 7am then flew off on flowing tide
Norfolk PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER ad Breydon Water by South Wall at 7am on flowing tide tho mobile

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 17th July 2019

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Norfolk 8.Spoonbills Holkham Freshmarsh late a'noon
Norfolk Turtle Dove Salthouse Heath
Norfolk Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa) Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB
Norfolk no sign of ad.Little Stint Titchwell RSPB this a'noon but 15.Spoonbills 5.Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT on Pat's Pool at 3.10pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT
Norfolk 10.Spoonbills Warham on freshmarsh
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Cley NWT still on Pat's Pool this morning +Spotted Redshank still
Norfolk Turtle Dove East Dereham still at Harpers Green at Harpers Green Farm
Norfolk 3.Cattle Egrets (all ads) Burnham Overy still 12.50pm on saltmarsh viewed from 1st bench on sea wall towards dunes
Norfolk 10.Spoonbills y'day 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Lesser Emperor dragonfly Felbrigg Hall NT still at lake
Norfolk 3.Cattle Egrets (all ads) Burnham Overy still on saltmarsh viewed from 1st bench on sea wall towards dunes at 10.29am
Norfolk Osprey y'day Titchwell RSPB flew south over InFocus at 5pm
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv y'day Cley NWT on Pat's Pool in a'noon +Spotted Redshank ad.fem.Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa)
Norfolk Little Stint ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh
Norfolk 12.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh +2.Spotted Redshanks still

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 16th July 2019

Two Red Kites were circling west of Thornham Harbour mid afternoon. Four Barnacle Geese and at least 7 Little Egrets were still around the Broadwater.

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Norfolk Lesser Emperor dragonfly Felbrigg Hall NT at lake at 12.45pm
Norfolk 8.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh +2.Spotted Redshanks Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa)
Norfolk Black Tern again Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 15th July 2019

On the sea today 100 Common Scoter were seen with a Gannet passing offshore and 2 Little Terns, a Common Tern and 100 Sandwich Terns, together with at least one Med Gull. Waders in the recording area included 2 Whimbrel over calling, 12 Curlew on the beach and 12 Black-tailed Godwits passing, with 75 Bar-tailed Godwits and 200 Knot also of interest. A Barn Owl was hunting first thing and a single Bearded Tit was in the reeds near the NOA entrance. A Spoonbill was also of note.

In the moth traps a Buff Footman and the first Garden Tiger of the summer were the highlights.

Holme Bird Observatory Sunday 14th July 2019

A Hobby flew low over the pines at lunch time and 60+ Black-tailed Godwits were on the NWT pools. Sadly there was no further sign of the Red-backed Shrike in the dunes. A Great Spotted Woodpecker and a juvenile Tawny Owl were heard in the pines, with a Grasshopper still reeling near the entrance gate.

Moths included Oak Eggar, Drinker, Pine, Small Elephant, Poplar and Eyed Hawk Moths, and a Shore Wainscot among the other species of note.

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Norfolk Spotted Redshank Cley NWT still on Pat's Pool this a'noon
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills Thornham harbour again in channel at 8.40am
Norfolk no sign of male.Red-backed Shrike Holme east of Gore Point
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills (2.juvs) Cley NWT at north end of The Serpentine at 8.56am

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 13th July 2019

A big thankyou to everyone who came to take part in our moth day!

 

 A total of 98 species were recorded including Privet, Pine, Eyed and Poplar Hawk Moth, Peppered Moth, Buff-tip, Oak Eggar, Pretty Chalk Carpet, Silky Wainscot, Rosy Footman, Kent Black Arches, Fern, Archer's and White-lined Darts, Swallowtail, Ruby Tiger, Sand Dart, and Small Emerald.

Don't forget, join us at Hempton Marsh on Saturday 20th July for our next moth day!!

Birds included a Gannet over the sea wall, 4 Barnacle Geese on the Broadwater, a Great White Egret, Spoonbill, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, a single Black-tailed Godwit and an Eider on the sea. A Yellow Wagtail flew over calling and at least 6 Whimbrel were passing over. A Red-backed Shrike was in the dunes on the NWT reserve during the afternoon.

Red-backed Shrike Holme Dunes NWT, Photo by Cat Buck

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Norfolk Little Gull 1s flew west past Cley NWT this morning
Norfolk Little Stint Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (1.male) 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still 10.05am at Potter Heigham Marshes at east end (+11.Spoonbills still +4.Garganey still). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (1.male) 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes near tin hut at 8am (+7.Spoonbills still). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 12th July 2019

A Greenshank was on the NWT reserve and a male Stonechat was near the Obs mid afternoon.

A busy day for moths, with 2 Privet Hawks, a Pine Hawk, Marbled Coronet, Buff Arches, 3 Kent Black Arches, a Tawny Barred Angle, a Lappet, Peppered Moth and Swallowtail among the catch.

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Norfolk Garganey ad.drk Cley NWT still mid a'noon on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (1.male) 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still mid a'noon at Potter Heigham Marshes (+c16.Spoonbills). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Little Gull ad just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track N.of A149 +1/3ml E.of steam railway entrance mid a'noon. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk 3.Cattle Egrets Burnham Overy Marshes still by sea wall north of sluice with cattle this a'noon
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (1.male) 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes at 10.36am. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 3.Turtle Doves Snettisham Coastal Park still near car park at 10.41am
Norfolk Garganey ad.drk Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide at 9.45am
Norfolk Spotted Redshank Cley NWT on Pat's Pool at 9.32am +1s.Little Gull still

HOLME BIRD OBSERVATORY MOTH DAY SATURDAY 13TH JULY 10AM START

Come and join us for moths galore at Holme Bird Observatory, where we will be emptying three traps starting at 10am. Its a free event and everyone is welcome.

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 11th July 2019

Highlights today included a flock of 60+ Black-tailed Godwits on the NWT reserve and 2 Gannets past offshore. A juvenile Cuckoo was of interest and 2 Spoonbills were in Thornham Harbour.

In the moth traps Pine, Elephant and Poplar Hawk were among the many species caught, with a Dingy Shell an unusual find for the site, and Kent Black Arches and Peppered Moth also of interest.

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Norfolk Little Gull Cley NWT on Arnold's Marsh
Norfolk Cattle Egret east of Burnham Overy Staithe with cattle this a'noon
Norfolk Caspian Gull ad Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape at 2.05pm
Norfolk Roseate Tern ad flew west past Weybourne Camp 5.30-7.30am
Norfolk Spotted Redshank Cley NWT on Pat's Pool at 9.16am +1s.Little Gull still
Norfolk Green-winged Teal drk still Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide at 9.12am (+Spoonbill still)

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 8th July 2019

Waders were the highlight today with a total of 16 Whimbrel over west, 17 Black-tailed Godwits over lavender marsh and a Greenshank along the Broadwater calling mid afternoon. A Spoonbill was of note from the Car Park Hide and 4 Barnacle Geese of unknown origin were also seen on the Broadwater. Two Cuckoos were on the NWT reserve and a juvenile Lesser Whitethroat was among 16 trapped and ringed at the Observatory

Moth highlights were a Plain Golden Y and a True Lover's Knot caught today.

True Lover's Knot (top) and Plain Golden Y (bottom)

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Norfolk 4.Cattle Egrets Burnham Overy Marshes by sea wall with cattle mid a'noon
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT still mid a'noon on Pat's Pool +2.Continental Black-tailed Godwits juv.Spoonbill
Norfolk Caspian Gull 2s Cromer still on pier at 3pm
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still 1pm at Potter Heigham Marshes from river bank. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Curlew Sand Cley NWT still this a'noon on Pat's Pool
Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad again Cley NWT east of East Bank near The Serpentine early a'noon
Norfolk no sign of ad.Lesser Yellowlegs Cley NWT on Pat's Pool (but Curlew Sand Black Tern)
Norfolk Great White Egret flew west over Cley NWT at 7.40am +Spoonbill still
Norfolk Great White Egret Woodbastwick flew over Ferry Road
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes (+16.Spoonbills). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE

HOLME VILLAGE GARDENS SUNDAY 7TH JULY 2019

Thankyou to everyone who came to see the moth trapping at Eastgate Cottage yesterday, where Privet, Eyed, Elephant and Small Elephant Hawk were among the moths on display, with Emperor and Eyed Hawk caterpillars also much admired and a Black-neck in the trap emptied at 2pm.

 

Photos by Cat Buck

Holme Bird Observatory Saturday 6th July 2019

A dull day with rain mid morning until early afternoon. A Whimbrel, single Green Sandpiper and Greenshank were all recorded and on the sea 2 Common Scoters, 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, a Little Tern and 4 Sandwich Terns were of note, with an adult Med Gull at the east end of Holme village and a Cetti's Warbler near the entrance gate to the NWT reserve.

In the moth traps, a Small Elephant Hawk, Pine, Poplar and 2 Privet Hawks were caught.

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Norfolk 8.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Island Hide +8.Spotted Redshanks PE31 8BB
Norfolk Caspian Gull 2s Cromer still by pier
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still 2.35pm at Potter Heigham Marshes in NE corner (+13+Spoonbills). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk BLACK-WINGED STILT 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still mid a'noon at Potter Heigham Marshes from near The Holt. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 10+Spoonbills just east of Wells still at North Point Pools by track N.of A149 +1/3ml E.of steam railway entrance at 12.30pm. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk possible Greater Sand Plover 1s Cley NWT flew west past beach car park at c9.45am with Golden Plover
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes mid morning. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk BLACK-WINGED STILT 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes (+Cattle Egret still +2.Garganey Little Gull 16.Spoonbills). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Cley NWT
Norfolk 8.Spoonbills Cley NWT: 6.on Simmonds' Scrape, 1.on Pat's Pool, 1.flew west
Norfolk no news on Black-winged Stilts 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 7.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh +3+Spotted Redshanks Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa) PE31 8BB

Holme Bird Observatory Friday 5th July 2019

On the sea today a Great Crested Grebe, 3 Fulmars and 4 Gannets were of note together with 4 Little and 4 Sandwich Terns passing. A flock of 20 Curlews flew east and 3 young Marsh Harriers were around the grazing marsh mid afternoon.

The moth traps were the highlight, with 80+ species recorded including 3 Beautiful Hook-tips, 4 Ferns, 2 Small Magpies, a Breckland Plume, 2 Rosy Waves, 4 Swallowtails, 1 Pine Hawk, a Pale Prominent, Poplar and Elephant Hawk, Archer's Dart, Kent Black Arches, 2 Privet Hawks and a Peach Blossom all recorded.

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Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still late a'noon at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Green-winged Teal drk still Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide at 3.19pm
Norfolk Great White Egret Cley NWT again on Pat's Pool briefly
Norfolk Honey Buzzard near Fakenham flew SW over Pensthorpe Natural Park at 1.05pm. Reserve open 10am-5pm. Entry £11.95 NR21 0LN
Norfolk no news on ad.Lesser Yellowlegs Titchwell RSPB PE31 8BB
Norfolk Black Tern Cley NWT again 9.50am offshore
Norfolk 7.Spoonbills Cley NWT still on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk Black Tern Cley NWT till c8.55am on Arnold's Marsh then flew off
Norfolk 2.Common Cranes 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Black Tern Cley NWT on Arnold's Marsh at 8.20am
Norfolk Little Gull 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham at Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk 8.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on Thornham Marsh +Spotted Redshank still on freshmarsh
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes at 7am (+17.Spoonbills still +4.Garganey still). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE

HOLME VILLAGE OPEN GARDENS SUNDAY 7TH JULY 11-5.30PM

HOLME VILLAGE GARDENS:

The NOA will be moth trapping as usual at Eastgate Cottage as part of Holme Open Gardens - full details are on the events page of our website.

The garden will be open from 11am-5.30pm with moths and caterpillars on display, so do call and have a look as part of your tour of Holme.

There is a small charge for access to the garden, and proceeds go to the local church group

Thankyou!

Holme Bird Observatory Thursday 4th July 2019

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Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still 2.05pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Parrinder Hide PE31 8BB
Norfolk Great White Egret Felbrigg Hall NT at lake in trees in SW corner
Norfolk 2.Turtle Doves just NE of Dereham in garden at Neatherd
Norfolk 10.Spoonbills (1.juv) Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS 1ml ESE of Potter Heigham still at Potter Heigham Marshes tho distant (+13.Spoonbills still). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take track ENE 1ml NR29 5JE TG.436.195
Norfolk Spoonbill flew west over Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at 6.45am PE31 8BB

Holme Bird Observatory Tuesday 2nd July 2019

A good catch of moths today, with a total of 4 Privet Hawk Moths, an Eyed Hawk Moth and 2 Small Elephant Hawk moths the main highlights.

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Norfolk SQUACCO HERON just NE of Stiffkey still 1.45pm on flood south of A149 TF.978.436
Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still 1.50pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON just NE of Stiffkey still 12.22pm on flood south of A149 TF.978.436
Norfolk SQUACCO HERON just NE of Stiffkey again on flood south of A149 at 11.44am TF.978.436
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (1.male) still 11am just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track N.of A149 +1/3ml E.of steam railway entrance. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide at 10.19am
Norfolk Caspian Gull (metal-ringed) juv Sidestrand on beach
Norfolk 2.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (1.male) just east of Wells at North Point Pools by track N.of A149 +1/3ml E.of steam railway entrance at 8.39am. Keep to public rights of way +do not enter from railway station TF.932.431
Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+2.Spotted Redshank Little Gull Continental Black-tailed Godwit (nominate form limosa)) PE31 8BB

Holme Bird Observatory Monday 1st July 2019

Four Spoonbills North over the observatory late afternoon were very much the best of todays birds.

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Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still 2.30pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Island Hide PE31 8BB
Norfolk Spoonbill flew west past Weybourne Camp this morning
Norfolk no news on Lesser Yellowlegs Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Island Hide since 9.25am PE31 8BB
Norfolk Green-winged Teal drk still 12.18pm Cley NWT on Pat's Pool from Daukes' Hide
Norfolk 15.Spoonbills Stiffkey Fen at 10.35am
Norfolk no sign of Squacco Heron just NE of Stiffkey on flood south of A149 by 10.15am TF.978.436
Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still 9.25am Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Island Hide +showing well PE31 8BB
Norfolk no news on Squacco Heron just NE of Stiffkey on flood south of A149 TF.978
Norfolk Green-winged Teal drk still Cley NWT on Pat's Pool from Daukes' Hide at 8.52am
Norfolk Cattle Egret flew west over Sidestrand at 7.38am
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB again then flew west
Norfolk LESSER YELLOWLEGS ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+Spotted Redshank still) PE31 8BB