April 2026 at Filey provided a rich illustration of spring migration along the Yorkshire coast, with a steady progression from early wildfowl movements to a diverse influx of passerines, waders, and seabirds. The month opened with classic early-April migration: a Brent Goose at Bay Corner on 1st and over 60 Pink-footed Goose moving north highlighted lingering winter species departing. These movements were accompanied by overhead passage of Lapwing, Curlew, and small flocks of Redwing and Meadow Pipit.
Early signs of spring migrants quickly followed. Swallow and Sand Martin were recorded from 1st – 2nd, with numbers building rapidly into double figures by the 6th and exceeding 70 along the cliffs by mid-month. The arrival of Chiffchaff was already well underway, with multiple singing birds across gardens, ravines, and scrub, soon joined by Blackcap and Willow Warbler (8th) by the second week. By 9th, Sedge Warbler and House Martin had also arrived, marking a clear shift into mid-spring conditions.
Coastal and wetland habitats were equally productive. At East Lea and Filey Dams, species such as Little Ringed Plover (6th), Common Sandpiper (5th), and Redshank were regular, while wildfowl included two lingering Scaup (until 3rd) Wigeon, Shelduck, and occasional Shoveler. Notable highlights included three Avocet on 7th and later passage birds such as Whimbrel (21st) Greenshank (25th) and Dunlin. By the end of the month, three Ruff and a brief Black Tern (30th) added further interest.
Seabird activity steadily increased offshore. Early April saw Sandwich Tern (2nd) returning to feed in the bay, while cliffs and sea hosted Kittiwake, Puffin, and Shag. Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver were noted through the month, alongside Eider (26th), Common Scoter and a late unconfirmed report of Black Scoter.
Passerine migration intensified notably from mid-April. Wheatear (6th) appeared in increasing numbers along the cliffs and fields, while scarcer migrants included Cuckoo (19th), Ring Ouzel (9th, 23rd), Fieldfare (9th), Redstart (8th, 16th), Reed Warbler (11th), Brambling (14th). Both Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat appeared on 19th, becoming widespread by the third week. A notable arrival was Garden Warbler on 25th, alongside increasing numbers of Yellow Wagtail (16th) moving through coastal grasslands.
Rarities and unusual records added further interest. A hybrid involving Cackling Goose and Barnacle Goose drew attention early in the month, while an Egyptian Goose offshore on 9th was unexpected. A Grey Plover was present on 12th on the Brigg. A singing Cetti’s Warbler at Hunmanby Gap late in the month (27th) reflected the species’ ongoing range expansion in Britain.
The final week saw the arrival of true late-spring migrants, including Swift (26th), with multiple sightings over the town and cliffs. Combined with ongoing movements of swallows and martins, and a peak in warbler diversity, this marked the transition toward summer.
Overall, April 2026 at Filey demonstrated the site’s importance as a migration hotspot. The combination of coastal, wetland, and farmland habitats supported an impressive diversity of species, with daily changes reflecting weather, migration timing, and the dynamic nature of spring passage along the North Sea coast.