YOUR WILD ESSEX

Our Essex wildlife has been out in force this summer, enjoying the warmth of the sun and showcasing their beauty across the county. Our members and supporters have been right there with them, capturing rare and special moments to share with us all. We hope you enjoy this selection of snaps submitted over the past few months.

It’s all in the eyes. This doe-eyed kestrel was spotted at Walton-on-the-Naze, enjoying the cliff edge by Liam Dunne, @liam_london_wild. Sun’s out, tongue’s out!

Hummingbird hawk-

moths are mesmerizing to watch, but very difficult to photograph. This stunning shot was taken by Ed Thorn, @EdThornPhotographyPage.

Stand out from the crowd! This rare albino sparrow was spotted in Thurrock by 13-year-old Jess.

Check mate! This beautiful heath

fritillary butterfly

was one of more than 30 spotted on a day out in Pound Wood nature reserve, which is great news for this rare species. Congratulations to Trevor Hockey.

If you would like to feature in our next edition of WILD, please email your favourite images of Essex’s wildlife and wild places to magazine@essexwt.org.uk or tag Essex Wildlife Trust on social media.

Don’t follow the herd. This roe buck deer was caught taking a peaceful stroll amongst the oxeye daisies in Fordham by Tanya Ware, @t2rny.

One flew over the photographer! Cuckoos are secretive birds and are more usually heard than seen. Having waited 40 years to get this shot, photographer Martin Hatton was thrilled when one flew over his head at Abberton Reservoir. You’re blue-tiful! Common blue butterflies may be tiny, but when viewed up close, their vibrant blue and orange patterning is a sight to behold. Spotted by Ben Jarman, @benjammin91.photography.

Close encounters of the bird kind. A very friendly robin was tempted by some tasty treats in Hornchurch Country Park, courtesy of photographer Lewis Ballard. Would you like to play hide-and-squeak? A bashful looking mouse spotted in the Hornchurch garden of Michael Raulinaitis, @mraulinaitis.photography.