March 2026 at Filey produced a rich and varied set of bird records, reflecting the transition from late winter into early spring along this productive stretch of the Yorkshire coast. The month opened with notable wildfowl movements, including 63 White-fronted Goose at Hunmanby Gap on 1st, initially heading south before turning northwest. This early movement set the tone for a period that combined lingering winter species with the first signs of spring migration.
Wildfowl featured prominently throughout. 35 Whooper Swan flew through on 10th. Scaup remained a consistent highlight at East Lea, with two individuals present for much of the month from 12th, often accompanied by Pochard, Wigeon, and Shelduck. The arrival of scarcer species added interest, including a female Goosander early in the month and later records of Garganey on 21st, a classic spring migrant. A lone Pintail also lingered at the Dams for several days between 20th – 24th. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of Shoveler and Teal hinted at seasonal change.
Geese remained a strong feature, with regular sightings of Barnacle Goose and Pink-footed Goose, alongside small groups of White-fronts dropping into the East Lea fields. The presence of one – four Egyptian Goose between 4th – 9th added a more unusual touch to the local assemblage.
Coastal and seabird activity was equally impressive. Multiple Great Northern Diver were present offshore for much of March, often seen in small groups, while Red-throated Diver passed through on migration. Early-month highlights included two Puffin on 15th and later increasing numbers rafting with Razorbill and Guillemots. Great Crested Grebe numbers built steadily, reaching at least nine individuals by mid-month. Wader counts were notable too, with flocks of Sanderling regularly exceeding 50 birds and smaller numbers of Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Redshank along the shore. A Bar-tailed Godwit was seen on 16th.
Raptor sightings added excitement, particularly during visible migration at Hunmanby Gap. Red Kite was recorded on multiple dates, while Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and Sparrowhawk were all noted. A remarkable highlight came on 10th with two Common Crane moving north inland, a scarce and memorable record for the area.
Passerine migration gathered pace as the month progressed. Chiffchaff became increasingly widespread and vocal, with multiple individuals singing across sites. The arrival of Wheatear on 14th at Carr Naze marked a clear sign of spring, followed by Sand Martin on 18th and eventually Swallow on 28th. Large flocks of Linnet, sometimes exceeding 300 birds, and steady movements of Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit were typical of the period. 1200 Starling were seen on 10th.
Scarcer or notable records included a Mediterranean Gull on 9th, Spoonbill briefly at the Dams on 17th, two Ravens on 5th and again on 7th, a Black Redstart in a garden on 27th, and a Long-eared Owl flushed from Top Scrub on 21st, less than annual these days. Late-month breeding activity was suggested by nesting Rook colonies and increasing song from species such as Skylark and Reed Bunting.