An Eastern Yellow Wagtail was discovered by local birder Paul Cassells at Prestwick Carr, Northumberland on 14th December 2019. I was hoping to visit Norfolk to see the Eastern Yellow Wagtail (aka Alaskan Yellow Wagtail aka Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail) at Sedgeford with the bonus of a Desert Wheatear at Eccles-on-Sea, but with negative news on the Wheatear yesterday I decided to head to Northumberland early this morning, arriving at Prestwick Carr mid-morning.
There were a couple of birders present looking through gaps in the hedge into the flooded field about 100yds north of the farm buildings, where the Eastern Yellow Wagtail had been viewed most frequently. However, it wasn't on view, although it had been very close a short time before my arrival! The westerly wind was bitterly cold causing my eyes to water, making the task of locating the bird even more difficult. I was soon alone gazing across the flooded field.
A few more birders arrived and shortly after someone came from around the corner telling us the bird was on view in the small paddock immediately to the west of the farm buildings. We all watched the Eastern Yellow Wagtail in glorious sunshine in this rather sheltered spot for some time. There were also Pied Wagtails, Meadow Pipits & Redwings in the field & suddenly they all took flight. Folks seemed to have been satisfied with the views they had and wandered off, but I wanted some more so went back to the favoured area. Sure enough, a couple of birders were watching the bird. We all had excellent close views for quite a while, so close the bird disappeared momentarily under the hedge a few times.
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