The breeding season is well under way, the first ducklings and goslings can be seen diligently following their parents around out on the lagoons across the reserves. The air is filled with Skylarks, Whitethroats, Reed warblers and other small birds defending their territories, flitting around catching insects and finding food, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring.
Reed Warbler Singing by David Lee
The last of the migrants have now arrived, Swifts are one of the last to arrive and can now be seen flying over the lagoons catching flies. Listen out too for the enigmatic sound of a Cuckoo, there’s several to be found across the reserves.
Cuckoo in Flight - Uncredited
Another of the late arrivals is the Hobby; look out for them over on West Canvey Marsh and over Pitsea Scrape, these falcons can occasionally be seen giving chase to Swallows, Swifts and Martins, certainly a great spectacle!
In our Visitor Centre in Wat Tyler Country Park, you can come and see how our nesting Blue tits are getting on through a live video feed. The female is currently sitting on ten eggs, there’s about a week to go until they should start hatching out.