Filey Dams

Has an unfinished feel to it this title, don't you think? 'Filey dams all birders!' or 'Filey dams to be blown up tomorrow!' But just Filey Dams or perhaps Filey Dams YWT, a small reserve on the periphery of a housing estate of modest bungalows in west Filey. Off the Muston road. Anyway, legend [the pager] has it that a pectoral sandpiper was lingering there. So, after doing various jobs, I set off late morning to have a look. Filey Dams is quite good for photography as you do get close to the wildlife. Usually.

Not a whisker except those of the few local birders who had all seen the bird 'earlier' that morning. I did see two pink-footed geese. I wonder if they'd come far?

Pink-footed Geese Pink-footed Goose At the second hide – the best for close-up photography if waders are present – there was nothing to see except this imm. herring gull.

Herring Gull

Eventually I gave up. I drove up to Holbeck to see if there were any med. gulls and to have my lunch. Nothing showing. I then went to Morrison’s for a couple of things. What now? Brid seemed too far. I decided to give it a try and go back to Filey Dams. That’s when the day took off.

Two herons – an adult and a youngster in my opinion - were dancing on the pool near the hide. It was more a chase than a fight but it was repeated many times. In between they did some fishing as you will see. They look quite alien or prehistoric [take your pick] in some of the photos.

Introducing the youngster

Grey Heron Introducing the adult

Grey Heron

Grey Heron Grey Heron Grey Heron Grey Heron Grey Heron Grey Heron It seemed at times that the youngster was coming straight at us. And too close for me to focus!Grey Heron Things were interrupted somewhat by an alleged kestrel that was having a battle with a pair of crows. Eventually it [or a different bird] flew across in front of the hide. The photos show this is a sparrowhawk. Quite nice.

Sparrowhawk Sparrowhawk Back to the pool in front of me. Uncropped this one!

Grey Heron Grey Heron Grey Heron Grey Heron Oh yes, the pectoral sandpiper showed up too but refused to come close. Too many heron antics I expect. Still, you can make it out.

Pectoral Sandpiper

Finally a great spotted woodpecker showed up. This seemed to interest the locals especially – apparently an unusual sighting for Filey Dams.

Great Spotted Woodpecker