Southern migrant hawker update

A post to update on the southern migrant hawkers in Wat Tyler CP.

They have been seen most days , generally with sightings occurring in the afternoon, peaking between 2 and 4pm but I observed them on evening at 6.20pm

Reports of up to 4 males on Sunday 4/8/13 were sent to me, from the far pond. I gather there were a few people there, and I noticed some paths trampled through the vegetation on Monday.

I myself managed only a couple of glimpses during lunch breaks at 12 till 1 or 2ish to 3ish and after work, but others who were visiting saw them on days I did not, many putting in a few hours to do so. I have only seen photos from one other person (Jerry Hoare) since the day I photographed them. If you have any photos please post a link to them in the comments.

I also gathered that males have been seen at RSPB West Canvey Marshes.

I gather over the last weekend there were a number of visitors again, I have only seen one report of any sightings though.

Sadly upon arriving on the site today (Monday 12/8/13) I noticed the trampling of vegetation near the pond had increased and the already ample paths had been ‘extended’ so unfortunately there is now a direct path from a major dog walking path straight to one of the ponds the southern migrant hawker is patrolling, where previously it was protected by a good few metres of vegetation. The ponds in the park unfortunately take a hammering from dogs being allowed/sent into ponds and this pond was, until now, protected from this.

It looks like someone has pushed down all the way through right into the reeds of the pond, presumably for a closer view or photo. An area off the boardwalk has also been trampled down too, but thankfully not as badly. I’ve heard of stuff like this happening at twitches, but I foolishly didn’t think it happen in this case. There were no issues last year, but perhaps with the extra publicity in BBC wildlife Magazine and the lack of other sites, combined with the males hanging round on the formally inaccessible pond and not near those next to paths and boardwalks has caused this.

It’s a shame in the end, because it means that my decision to share this amazing dragonfly may now mean that it and the other wildlife in the park will suffer. Doesn’t exactly encourage me to report ‘twitchable’ wildlife…..

So if you visit Wat Tyler CP (or West Canvey) please stick to the already trampled paths it you leave the main paths.

On a more positive note, thanks to all those who behaved responsibly and it was nice meeting those I met. And thanks for the sightings people have sent in too.