Holme andThe Storm of 8/9 December - widely compared to that of 1953

A few images from Holme of the aftermath of the Tidal Surge that left widespread destruction along the Norfolk Coast. In spite of significant erosion of the dunes the Observatory itself escaped intact .



4 December Sunshine ...... before the Storm

A Red Admiral Butterfly still feeding in the Flowers on the Buddleia by the Observatory



A Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, that is regularly visiting the Pines around the Observatory



14 10 13 Bluethroat - after a very long wait ....

With recent October winds lashing the coast and opening the flood-gates to winters migrants, the star bird out of the nets was a stunning male RED SPOTTED BLUETHROAT. First spotted the previous day,it remained overnight and proceeded to delight visitors throughout the day before finding its way into the nets.


Bluethroat



Red Breasted Flycatcher  11 10 13

Arctic Skua Holme Beach   09 10 13

Vestal A migrant Moth from the Trap  05 10 13

Gem another migrant out of the trap   05 10 13

Grasshopper warbler 24 September 13

   With Pink Footed Geese over the reserve and the Marsh, and the first of the Autumn's Redwings passing through, a Grashopper Warbler was a pleasant surprise out of the nets.

24 August 2013 Migration in action at the Obsevatory



Redstart trapped on the East Bank, With Pied Flycatchers present too, clear evidence of migrants on the move



Garden Warbler - 1 of 2 ringed in the day



Silver Washed Fritillery - feeding on the Buddleias near the Observatory. A potential migrant and a new Reserve Record



Feathered Gothic - a striking moth from the trap

A Bugs Life at the Obs

Eyed Hawk Moth  at rest - with the 'Eye' markings hidden



Privet Hawk Moth - showing the striped pattern on the body, and a hint of the underwing markings. A large moth,spectacular  in flight



Elephant Hawk Moth

Wasp Beetle

Musk Beetle -  shimmering in the sunshine 

New viewing platform at the Obs up and running !

The Memorial plaque dedicated to former NOA Chairman Geoffrey Barker, placed on the new viewing platform at the Observatory - the erection of which was made possible by generous donations in appreciation of Geoffrey's years of service to the NOA and its members.

Members of Hunstantons University of the 3rd Age on a recent visit to the observatory,enjoying the superb views provided by the platform

The Obs Ringing Shed complete with new roof, funded by recent donations

Spring 2013...

...certainly won't go down as a classic. However, there were some highlights, with the aforementioned Icterine Warbler trapped and ringed on the reserve on 17th May and further easterlies as May wore on produced a smattering of drift migrants, with a female Red-backed Shrike 18th-21st, a male Red-backed Shrike 31st May, a Pied Flycatcher 30th May-1st June and small numbers of Spotted Flycatchers (all pictures by Pam Rand - click to make them bigger)

Icterene Warbler 17 May

Icterene Warbler. 17th May.A surprise out of the nets on a blustery overcast day.