Winter at Holme Bird Observatory (please click for clip)

Sunday 8 November 2009

In memory of Dr. Ian Burrows

A great loss to conservation and for his many friends.


Three Cetti's Warblers having been processed - part of an incredible and unprecedented 26 new birds ringed on the reserve this year.



The dream team - (left to right) Ray Roche, David Roche, Jed Andrews, Connor Rand, Sophie Barker.

Sunday 1 November 2009

Shorelarks Holme Beach 30 0ctober

3 present on the beach north of the Golf Course and falling within the recording area of the Observatory.

Saturday 31 October 2009

30th October Shorelarks on the beach and Bearded Tit out of the net


Shorelark Holme beach. 30th October 1 of 3 present on the beach at the North end of the Golf course.


Bearded Tit Holme 30th October. Last ringed at the Obs on 27/10/04 when 2 birds ringed.







Redwing Holme 30th October.

Monday 19 October 2009

Water Vole Redwell and a Redpoll out of the Nets




18 October Water Vole in the river Hun from the bridge to Redwell Hide - actve on both sides of the bridge but not easy to photograph.



Mealy Redpoll 17 October









Thursday 15 October 2009

Yellow Browed Warbler 14 October



The 3rd Yellow Browed warbler to be ringed in 5 days. Other birds of interest included a Black Redstart on the roof of the Firs, and both a summer plumaged Great Northern Diver and the first Goldeneye of the autumn sitting close off-shore

Sunday 11 October 2009

Yellow Browed Warbler 10 0ctober

Yellow Browed Warbler 10 October



Hummingbird Hawkmoth 10 october. At least 2 on the Buddlea by the Obs.


Common Darter 10 October. Still plenty of insect activity in the bright afternoon sun.



Red Admira

Saturday 10 October 2009

Firecrest and Grey Partridge out of the nets .. and still a few Skuas offshore


Firecrest. 9th October


Grey Partridge 9th October. Last ringed at the Obs in 1974








Pink Footed Geese over Redwell Marsh. 9 October


Red Crested Pochard from the car park hide. 3rd October











Monday 5 October 2009

Great Skua 2 October

Good Seabird passage continued offshore during the week, with all 4 Skua species recorded on the 1st. This footage was actually taken at Snettisham on the 2nd and shows a great Skua feeding on a gull on the tideline - either opportunistic feeding or one of its victims ! The soundtrack has been changed to replace the howling wind that is producing more than a little camera shake.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Spotted Flycatcher Holme 15 september


Spotted Flycatcher 15 Septamber. With strong sea bird passage continuing off shore, the last bird of the daqy out of the nets was the Spotted Flycatcher pictured above. 2 Redstarts were on the reserve but failed to make it into the nets.

Friday 11 September 2009

Pied Flycatcher 1O September


With the recent run of North Westerly winds producing good sea bird passage off the Dunes, keeping the nets open all day produced 15 birds of 11 species - including 2 juvenile Pied Flycatchers ringed in the afternoon. 2 Wheatears were in the Dunes to the west of the Pines





Greenshank Thornham Harbour 9 September

Monday 7 September 2009

Curlew SandpiperThornham Harbour 6 September

Curlew Sandpiper among a mixed flock of waders in the Harbour at Thornham. At least 2 Greenshank also present

Little Stint Holme Beach 6 September

Little Stint and Curlew sandpiper Holme 6 September

With recent days producing good numbers of passing seabirds a Little Stint on the beach was a nice addition to the days Seawatching tally.The Curlew Sandpiper was part of a mixed flock of waders in Thornham Harbour





Little Stint Holme Beach 6 September







Curlew Sandpiper Thornham Harbour 6 September










Wednesday 2 September 2009

Holme Wryneck 27 August

A classic migrant. Stunning in the hand.

Young Common Seal Holme Beach 26 August

A distraction from a fairly quiet Seawatch ! Lazing on the beach at High tide

Common Seal 2 Holme Beach

Loafing on the Beach looking cute !

Common Sandpiper 2 Redwell

An unusually obliging bird bobbing away in front of the hide

Common Sandpiper Redwell Marsh

Showing the classic bobbing action while feeding close to the hide

Tuesday 1 September 2009

Clouded Yellows


These superb images of a Clouded Yellow were taken near Hempton Marsh NOA on 9th August, part of a small colony of 30+ that have taken up residence on a wildflower meadow. Pictures © Chris Mills.

Friday 28 August 2009

Wryneck, Wheatear and Pied Flycatchers

A stunning Wryneck. Posing in the Hand 27 August



Wheatear 24 August 1 of 2 in the Dunes





Pied Flycatcher 23 August 1 of at least 6 between the Forestry and the Pines.