More and more migrants are on their way! You know spring is well and truly here when the Swallows return, also keep a look out for the first returning Sand and House Martins. Other migrants that have started to appear have included Wheatear along with Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers. Migrant waders have included up to 8 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank and 3 Common Sandpiper at Vange Marsh.
During the school holidays we’ve been running drop-in pond dipping sessions over on West Canvey Marsh. We’ve had lots of enthusiastic kids (and adults!) Who discovered our ditches are teaming with wildlife, there were plenty of dragonfly and damselfly nymphs, as well as beetles, snails and shrimps, the highlight was probably a water stick insect!
Out on the reserves there are more signs of spring as flowers start to open, violets and primroses are all out along with many other flowers, great for spotting butterflies and insects on a warm sunny day.
Willow warbler taken by Clive Woodward near the play area in Wat Tyler Country Park