September 2026 was an exceptionally varied month for birds around Filey, with the passage of waders, seabirds, wildfowl and migrants producing a strong run of records. The month began with good wader numbers at the Dams and East Lea, including Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Dunlin, Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit. Curlew were particularly conspicuous, with the flock reaching 140 birds. As water levels were lowered at East Lea to expose mud, the site continued to attract feeding waders. Three Common Crane went over on 6th.
Migration was evident from the outset. Hunmanby Gap produced impressive movements of Meadow Pipits, Swallows and House Martins, culminating in 952 Meadow Pipits south on 10th and 4,270 House Martins on 15th. Other notable migrants included Wheatears, Whimbrels, a vagrant Nuthatch (ringed on 13th), Yellow Wagtails, Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers, Blackcaps, Wood Warbler (ringed on 2nd) Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. The arrival of Pink-footed Geese became increasingly obvious through the month, with several flocks passing south, while Whooper Swans, Brent Geese, Wigeon, Pintail and Teal added to the autumn movement. Hobby were seen until 25th, with one on 20th interacting with two Peregrine at Filey Dams. 23 Collared Dove were a good size flock on 16th.
The sea was particularly productive in the second half of September. Large feeding flocks of Common Terns developed offshore, accompanied by Sandwich Terns, Arctic Skuas and Great Skuas. The most spectacular sea-watch came on 19th, when ten thousand Razorbills and Guillemots, 750 Gannets, and more than 4,000 Common Terns, a new day record. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua and Sooty Shearwaters were among other highlights. Red-throated Divers also featured prominently, with 48 recorded close inshore. Common Scoter numbers increased later in the month, eventually reaching around 100, with three Velvet Scoters also reported.
Filey Brigg and the surrounding coast produced a particularly impressive selection of scarce birds. Black Terns were recorded, with juvenile birds lingering around the Brigg between 17th – 23rd), while Little Terns were also present on 16th-17th. Little Gulls became regular, sometimes with several together, and Caspian Gulls included multiple juveniles and first-winters. Other notable records included Mediterranean Gulls, Osprey (17th), Red Kite (18th), Bar-tailed Godwits, Purple Sandpipers, Grey Plovers, Sanderlings and Knot. Four Bonxies went over Carr Naze on 20th, followed by a Great White Egret being buffeted by the strong westerlies.
The final few days brought a classic autumn passerine influx. Yellow-browed Warblers were reported at East Lea, Carr Naze, Long Lane and Hunmanby Gap, with two together at Hunmanby Gap on 30 September. A Firecrest, Jay, Ring Ouzel, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstarts, Bramblings and Redpolls were also recorded. Parish Wood and the clifftop scrub held increasing numbers of Robins and thrushes, culminating in an impressive 250-plus Song Thrushes arriving on 30th. Cetti’s Warbler was caught for the first time at the first bird caught at the Top Scrub ringing site.
Overall, September combined strong visible migration, productive sea-watching and an excellent late-month passerine arrival. The final week, in particular, provided a fitting climax, with Yellow-browed Warblers, Firecrest, Ring Ouzel, Bramblings and a major Song Thrush movement portending a good October hopefully.