Spring has well and truly sprung across our reserves with lots of wildlife to see and hear. As the summer migrants arrive, the reedbed at Vange Marsh is starting to come alive with Reed warblers, while Swallows, Sand martins and House martins all swoop over the main lagoon catching insects.
Reed Warbler by David Lee
Visitors to West Canvey Marshes have been greeted by singing Skylarks marking their territories. Butterflies are also starting to appear with Peacock, Small tortoiseshell and Comma all seen on the reserve. As the weather heats up, the reptiles are starting to make an appearance, West Canvey is a great place to see Adders, Slow worms and Common lizards, or if you’re really lucky maybe even an elusive Grass snake. Also keep a look out for large bumblebees in the grasslands, at this time of year the queen bees are out picking new nest sites for the summer ahead.
Common Lizard by David Lee
Highlight of the spring so far however, has to be the two Black-necked grebes which stayed for a couple of days on Pitsea Scrape, they gave some fabulous views in their full summer plumage.
Black-necked Grebe by Steve Arlow
The signs of spring can also be seen in our Visitor Centre in Wat Tyler Country Park, our aquarium is currently full of tadpoles, and our nest cam is giving live footage of our Blue tits as they build their nest, why not come down and see how they’re getting on.