Spring had arrived at last and we arrived at this little wetland gem on the edge of Filey to be greeted by a riot of vivid colour and a cacophony of birdsong. This lovely little site is looked after brilliantly by the local volunteers from the Filey Brigg Ornithological Group, working with the Trust. Two hides overlook the lagoons and a fine pond dipping platform entertained the kids for ages. It is a short walk around to the second hide, through a small copse where the local Tree Sparrows are making good use of the nestboxes. From the first hide, a few Teal skulked in the reedy edges, from which a freshly-arrived Reed Warbler chuntered its song unseen. A large gang of noisy gulls did what gulls do best, loafing on the island. We headed round to the other hide on the eastern side, via a quick check of the emergent plants, which included horsetail, watermint and other stuff I didn't recognise. The songs of Whitethroats, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers softened the raucous cries of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. From the second hide, we were treated to close views of a pair of migrant Common Sandpipers. This really is a super site and full credit to the volunteers who keep this place in such great condition.
I think the last time I was here I saw a Hoopoe - it certainly is a place that attracts some exciting vagrants! Access to Filey Dams is dead easy. From the main road into Filey from the coast road, take the left turn down Wharfedale. Keep following the road and eventually you arrive at the small car park - look out for the YWT sign.
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| View from the first hide. |
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| The eastern pond complete with pond dipping platform and brood of Mallard ducklings |
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| View from the eastern hide |
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| The eastern hide - does it have a name? |
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| A dapper Common Sandpiper. Next stop a stream on the North York Moors perhaps? |
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