Common Tern, Avocet, Lapwing and Redshank chicks can still be seen on Pitsea Scrape, Water Rail has also recently been heard calling from the reeds.
We’re now starting to get a few passerine migrants, with a couple of sightings of Whinchat on West Canvey Marshes, the earliest autumn record here. West Canvey is alive with insects at the moment, the warm weather has meant loads of butterflies including lots of Marbled White. The grasslands are also filled with sound of grasshoppers and crickets, and Wasp Spiders are also starting to appear so keep a look out as you walk round the reserve.
Pitsea Scrape has been performing well for breeding birds, a look out from the hide in Wat Tyler Country Park may reward you with views of Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank and Common Tern chicks.
Vange Marsh has also brought breeding success, with sightings of juvenile Bearded Tit in the reedbed. Other highlights from Vange Marsh include up to two Wood Sandpipers on the main lagoon, a sure sign that the autumn migration will soon be upon us. They are a little too far away from the hide for a photograph, but I hope you enjoy the image below taken by Chris Gomersall. How many legs has that avocet got!
South Essex Marshes plays host to a stunning array of insects including Shrill Carder Bee, Marbled White and Ringlet butterflies.
All images taken by Marc Outten at South Essex Marshes
Do you know someone who is interested in a future in conservation? Or who loves doing hands on practical work and being in the great outdoors? Or who is looking for a new idea and some work experience? If so please let them know about our exciting opportunity....Warden Days with the RSPB!
Warden Days are running on the third Sunday of each month 10am – 4pm. Joining us out on our local nature reserves you’ll get to experience life as a Warden with the UKs biggest conservation charity The RSPB. Working alongside our expert wardens you will be involved with practical, hands on conservation. You must be eager to get stuck in and active and you will be rewarded with top training, great work experience for the CV and a chance to meet like minded people and have a great week outside. Best of all it’s completely free!
So if you’re 13-19 and keen to get involved, or know someone who might be, contact us on SE.Education@rspb.org.uk or call 01268 498629. Booking is essential and places will be offered on a first come first served basis. You will need to complete a Parental Consent form before the booking can be confirmed. Participants need to bring a packed lunch and come appropriately dressed to be outdoors all day.