Roy,
.......and not too far away if you live in central Lincs (Bracebridge Heath/Lincoln) : a worthwhile and reasonable return journey to see such a super bird.
Just after leaving the village of Aldbrough, I arrived in the stakeout area soon after 11.00 this morning (Tue) and, heading for the Bewick Hall Carpark, I was surprised to find a long row of cars parked safely on the wide, grassy verge on the left just before Bewick Hall with birders peering through their 'scopes on the opposite side of the B1242......so I parked safely and joined them. (Now that the original very large numbers of visiting birders has fallen to 15-20 - this morning- it means that the wide, grassy verge can be used safely, which would have been impossible with the scores of cars around a few days ago).
Within a minute of getting my 'scope out of the boot and crossing the road, I was watching the Roller perched on a white post c.100 yards from the road. It occasionally flew down onto the tilled field but inevitably returned to its white post perch. The sun came out and shone on its brilliant plumage as it flew : azure blue, black and blue wings and rich chestnut mantle.
It all reminded me of the days when Richard Gunn and I were near-neighbours in Cabrera, Andalusia with a pair of Rollers nesting under a bridge about 2 miles away and with not infrequent views of the bird perched on local telegraph wires.
Thanks, Roy, for your post and wake-up call. I hope the Roller will feature in your 2012 compilation tape.
Freddy
PS. (Wednesday 6th).....Thanks for your email, Roy.
......(Bird reported as still there today).