After a good influx of American bird species, no doubt caused by a recent hurricane, it came as no real surprise when a Red Eyed Vireo was found on Vicar`s Lane, Easington. The weather forecast for the east Yorkshire area was for constant rain for most of the early part of the day, so a few extra layers were added. With Kevin C at the wheel four of us set off at 6am. We were treated to a nice diversion through the city centre of Hull before reaching a wet Easington. Not as many vehicles as we had thought there would have been were on site. News that the bird was still present near the gas terminal car park on Vicar`s Lane also helped. After mingling with the 30 or so birder`s for about 20 minutes the bird showed itself really well right in front of us at 5 yards distance. It was a new species in Britain for Kev C but getting a picture might be a little bit trickier. After having seen a Red Eyed Vireo only on Scilly in 1985, 87 & 89 it was quite a thrill to see another on the mainland 30 years later. The bird`s feeding pattern allowed all birder`s to watch this American stunner around every 15 minutes. The rain finally soaked us and our equipment and a hasty retreat to the car was in order. Shall we stay or shall we go was on again and after a discussion a move was agreed (little did we know that a Great Snipe would be found much later in the day)
We headed for RSPB St Aidan`s near Leeds/Castleford and believe it or not it finally stopped raining. We asked about the long staying Long billed Dowitcher that had been present and were told where to go (no not like that) and headed out towards the main lake. We got to the correct area and began to search the lake & flooded land area, lots of Lapwing, ducks & geese were seen, and then the Long billed Dowitcher was found sleeping and occasionally preening, giving what are called distant views! We were joined by a RSPB volunteer who told us about a female Bufflehead (probable escape) that also can be seen from this vantage point and right on cue we found it! It began to rain again as we headed for the car to return home. A wet but very enjoyable day out in the Yorkshire rain!
