The reserves are now host to numerous butterflies. On Bowers Marsh there are Small Skipper. Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Painted Lady Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell and Marbled White.
Marbled White by David Lee
Small Skipper by David Lee
Small Tortoise by David Lee
The dragonflies have started to emerge with Black-tailed Skimmer, Emperor and Broad-bodied Chaser flying vigorously.
Black-tailed Skimmer by David Lee
Broad-bodied Chaser by David Lee
On June 24 some eagle-eyed birders spotted a Stone Curlew that made a brief stop-over on Bowers Marsh. Other species included the Black-necked Grebes with their humbug chicks on their backs, Little Ringed Plover with chicks and one Barnacle Goose.
On Vange Marsh the main reports have been Spotted Redshank. Redshank, Greenshank, Gadwall and Marsh Harriers.
West Canvey Marsh has hosted Avocet, Lapwing, a Mediterranean Gull, Reed Warblers and Skylark. For those interested in flowers Canvey Wick has many Common Spotted and Pyramid Orchids.