Red-eyed Vireo, Church Cove 3rd October 2019

A Red-eyed Vireo was found by local birder D. Collins (who also found the Brown Booby at Kynance Cove) in the grounds of St. Wynwallow's Church at Church Cove, The Lizard, Cornwall last Wednesday 2nd October 2019. Since this species was one of my most wanted transatlantic vagrants I headed out early doors Thursday morning, arriving on site early afternoon.

The weather was not too good, overcast with light rain. Fortunately, the few folks at the far end of the church car park were on the bird when I arrived. I managed several brief views of the Red-eyed Vireo as it moved about the ivy-covered Sycamores. A short while later I obtained my best views upon relocating the bird in the same area. It sat atop a lower branch for a minute or so before disappearing and not reappearing that day as the weather worsened.

After spending the night at an old friend's house I headed back to Curch Cove the following morning, arriving early afternoon, hoping for better views of the Red-eyed Vireo. The weather was much better, so it looked good. Unfortunately, although there were more birders on site than the previous day, the bird was not seen whilst I was present.

St Wynwallow's Church car park

Photo by Peter Garrity

Video by John Chapple