Memorable for the huge flocks of Gannets, Kittiwakes and auks in Filey Bay at the end of the month, engaged in a feeding frenzy and accompanied by Minke Whales further offshore. Nothing like it has ever been seen at Filey. On 1st a Black-tailed Godwit still in East Lea fields, with 26 Curlews and a Common Sandpiper at Filey Dams. Dabchicks raised young at Filey Dams, with a Green Sandpiper and a fresh brood of 8 Tufted ducklings by East Pool island. Over 1,000 Swifts flew south at Hunmanby Gap. On 3rd a Crossbill was near the Country Park entrance. Two Garganey still lingered at Filey Dams. A record 306 Sand Martin went south at the Gap on 7th plus more Crossbills, Swifts and Siskin. A vagrant Lesser Emperor dragonfly was at Primrose Valley pond. On 8th at Filey Dams there were a Garganey, an influx of Teal, (min 42), six Avocet, two Kittiwake, Black-tailed Godwit, Common and Green Sandpiper. Another good morning at the Gap on 8th, highlights 1500+ Swifts, 39 Crossbill, 74 Sand Martin, all south. On 9th an Eider Duck was in the bay. A Grey Heron took an Avocet chick, much to the observer’s surprise! On 10th a Little Egret was at Carr Naze pond, with an Egyptian Goose which hung around for the rest of the month. The Swifts continued to fly past en masse, with 2,500 south over Hunmanby Gap in two hours on 11th. A Hobby took a hirundine off Carr Naze pond. A 2nd year Mediterranean Gull, 12 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns. 1 Dunlin and 1 Ringed Plover were on Brigg end on 13th. 6,390 Swifts went south at Hunmanby Gap on 16th. A Spoonbill was at Filey Dams. On 18th 61 Common Scoter (28 in bay, 33 N), 2 Red-throated Diver, 3+ Manx Shearwater feeding offshore with flocks of Kittiwakes, auks, Gannet and gulls, foreshadowing the big buildup later in the month. A Whimbrel went north over the Brigg. Two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers appeared at the Dams on 20th, but did not stay. An impressive 150+ Common Scoter were bayside of Carr Naze on 23rd. A Whimbrel was flushed from Carr Naze pond and another two flew over north. Three Ruddy Shelduck flew south inshore over the bay, with two Arctic Skuas close inshore north. The Ruddy Shelducks were later seen on the beach but were flushed by a dog and flew off north around Brigg. A Short-eared Owl was hunting along North Cliff above the Tip on 25th, with a juvenile Wheatear on Carr Naze. A Corn Bunting was singing in the North Cliff area. A Humpback Whale and up to six Minke Whales were feeding on baitballs off Filey moving north in the morning. One of the young Avocets was flying on 27th. From 27th juvenile Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls began appearing on sea-watches. Once major rarities these gulls are expected in good numbers in summer and autumn now,, but remain tricky to identify. On 28th two Knot (1 adult and 1 juvenile), 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin and an Arctic Tern were on the Brigg end. Another male Lesser Emperor dragonfly was at Primrose Valley pond, with 3 male & 1 female Banded Demoiselles. On 29th 100 Swallows and a Marsh Harrier went south at the Gap. The spectacular Gannet feeding frenzy started with 300 plus plunge-diving off the seafront. The spectacle continued into the first days of August, with Minke Whales and Bottle-nosed Dolphins also appearing. A juvenile Yellow legged Gull was on the beach with gulls off Primrose Valley on 31st, the first of the usual late summer influx. Finally, ten Black tailed Godwit went south at Hunmanby Gap.
