Strange unbirdlike sounds coming from the reedbeds in winter, are a sure sign that water rails are present. Their distinctive calls are a mixture squeals, grunts and screams, likened to the sound of an agitated pig. Water rails have been heard at both Vange Marsh and Wat Tyler Country Park. Superb views of water rails can be seen on the tv screens in the RSPB visitor centre at Wat Tyler, as the birds feed along the edge…

A single tundra bean goose has been present all week amongst the greylag goose flock on Vange Wick. The birds are best viewed from the marina in Wat Tyler Country Park. The views across the reserve are spectacular, viewing from either the marina's raised viewpoint or the pillbox viewing platform in Wat Tyler Country Park your view will be filled with literally thousands of birds. The lush wet grassland and extensive wet…

Bearded tits, surely would be better named moustached tits, as the stunning males have black moustaches rather than beards. Numbers have increased locally during November. This week seven were seen at Wat Tyler Country Park, in the reeds near the new boardwalk at the southern end of the park. A pair gave stunning views on West Canvey Marsh, again in the reeds near the gate which leads to Pantile. Also seen in the same…

On our West Canvey Marsh walk on Saturday morning up to three bramblings were seen, one or two were with the chaffinch flock along the Pantile track, view the track here: http://www.mapmate.co.uk/userzone/p/Locate/s/TQ7674484579  Another two or maybe the same two were seen later in the car park hedgerow. Also seen were five skylark, 12 curlew, 15 wigeon, 3 little egrets and a cetti's warbler was heard. This is a regular…

Join us this November for your chance to buy this years RSPB Christmas cards. Enjoy a slice of locally baked homemade cake and a hot drink as you look through a selection of seasonal RSPB goods.

There will be a wide range of cards and gifts on offer with prices to suit all pockets and don’t forget – all proceeds go to helping birds and wildlife.

Cards and gifts will be on sale in the South Essex Marshes…