Friday 20 October
Well I set off as planned, at about 5.30, but 10 minutes down the road had to do a quick about turn, as I'd left my second wallet behind with credit and AA cards in it.
It was quite dark all the way to beyond Edinburgh, and I'm always mystified as to how I manage to find the right roads round there, but somehow I muddle through.
There was no rain but a bit of surface spray, so looking good for a stop at Beal and Lindisfarne. Arriving at about 8.30 there was already another birder parked. He'd seen Corn Bunting not no Roller. I parked further down the road nearer to the level crossing and set up my scope just inside the field entrance. There were Chaffinch, Wren, and Robin singing from the stand of trees and a couple of skeins of Pinkfoot flew over. I was searching the trees on the far side of the field, when I suddenly saw a gingery-red back flying just at the height of some weeds and disappeared onto the ground again. Was it.... was it? hmm not sure really. Waited and watched but it didn't reappear.
Shortly after this I saw a Kestrel in a tree in the hedgerow, which flew down into some rough grass.
After about an hour I walked back to the other chap to see how he was fairing - no better than me.
I left then to go down to the Causeway for a much needed cuppie and breakfast. The tide was well out but I was pleased to see a Grey Plover. Also around were numerouse gulls, Black Headed, Herring and Great Black Back. . Other waders visible were Oystercatcher, Curlew and Redshank.
Suddenly I looked south again and there was this enormous rain cloud coming, so I jumped into the car and shot back to Beal.
A few more cars there now and I parked up nearer to them. As I walked along to meet the newcomers, one of them suddenly said "Are you Delia?" Great meeting you Bitterntwisted, really enjoyed the crack, and an unexpected addition to my BF200 list.
So another couple of hours there, but no sign of the Roller at all! Two lovely Yellowhammers, though. More views of the Kestrel. The rain came, and went, and came again.
It was now nearly 12 o'clock, and time for me to be heading off to Leeds.
D