On 1st 50 Pink-footed Geese flew north over Tip. A Chiffchaff at Hunmanby Gap earlier flew towards The Bay. Ten White-fronted Geese frequented East Lea all month. Two -three Short-eared Owls were at the Tip all month as well. 200 plus Gannets fed out at sea, rafts of auks mainly razorbill, 5 Rock Pipits, 1 Stonechat, 5 Grey Partridge Top Field, 2 Skylark singing 50 plus Linnet, 2 Kestrel, 15 mixed flock of Yellowhammers and Reed Bunting were typical of Newbiggin this month. In Filey Bay were a Great Northern Diver, a Red-throated Diver and 180 Wigeon. A Puffin on sea off top of Long Lane (drifting north) on 2nd. A Cetti’s Warbler sub singing left of the Kestrel’s box at Filey Dams. They were heard singing for the rest of March. On 3rd three Red Kite were over Mill Meadows. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Filey Dams on 4th. Two Mediterranean Gulls were at the sea-front. Six Whooper Swans flew north off Rocket Post Field on 5th. A large Wood Pigeon flock of ~300+ seen on 6th near Long Lane. A Red Kite flew north at Hunmanby Gap on 7th. 77 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, and 6 Great Crested Grebe in roosting flocks between Hunmanby Gap and Speeton – mostly off Reighton. A Red-necked Grebe was off and on at the Brigg all month. 42 Puffin counted along North Cliff, and Newbiggin on 8th. On 10th one Pale-bellied and one Dark-bellied Brent Geese were on the Country Park. Two Egyptian Geese were at East Lea on 12th. Two Cetti’s Warblers were at Filey Dams on 17th. 33 Sanderling were feeding off Hunmanby Gap. Another Red Kite was seen on 19th. The first Wheatear appeared on 24th. A Black Redstart was reported on Carr Naze. The first Sand Martin was in Bay Corner. 21 Gadwall (14 drakes) were at East Lea on 25th. A Red Kite flew inland at Hunmanby Gap on 27th. A female Black Redstart was again on Carr Naze, with an elusive Ring Ouzel reported on the Brigg. A Great White Egret flew south at Hunmanby Gap. On 29th the first Willow Warbler was singing west side of Tip. The first Swallow was at the end of Carr Naze on 30th. Blackcaps were at East Lea (male) and Hunmanby Gap on 31st.
