I apologise now if i get this all slightly wrong but here goes.... Alder Flies are a common species at Rainham Marshes and are on the wing from early April around the trails, often alongside the reedy ditch areas. They are not related to Stoneflies and Mayflies although they look similar. They lay their eggs on waterside grasses and the larvae then spend two years as aquatic predators hunting out anything that does not move quick enough! On the wing they are weak and fluttery and easy to catch and are therefore a fine snack for any hungry bird that spies one!
(Craig Burnett)
22-4-12
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer