The first-year iceland gull has been appearing sporadically on the scrape, viewable from the hide. It has been present since at least last Tuesday and was last seen Saturday morning.
West Canvey Marsh (RSPB) Sunday 08 May 08:00 to 10:303 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swift, 20 Skylark (at least), 2 House Martin, 1 Wheatear
Vange Marsh (RSPB) Sunday 08 May 11:55 to 13:50, Mostly cloudy & cool, brisk SSW wind1 Garganey (drake in NW corner), 48 Coot, 4 Avocet (2 pairs on saline lagoon), 3 Greenshank (along N side), 2 Common Sandpiper (along N side), 30 Swift, 1 Cetti's Warbler (singing), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing), 2 Reed Warbler (singing), 1 Lesser Whitethroat (singing), 1 Grass Snake, 6 Azure Damselfly, 4 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 1 Green-veined White
Wat Tyler Country Park, Sunday 08 May 14:00 to 14:251 Buzzard (circling westwards distantly to the NE), 1 Cuckoo (singing), 1 Bearded Tit (heard calling from hide)
Around the RSPB Wildlife Garden at Wat Tyler the very conspicuous black & red froghopper can be seen. It's black body with red markings act as a warning to predators that it is distasteful.
The male broad-bodied chaser continues to delight as it perches in full view.
Thanks to David Lee for the two images above and Steve Arlow for the iceland gull.