Nightingales return to reserve for summer

The nightingale is capable of producing more than 1,000 sounds

A nature reserve has reported the first sightings of the year for nightingales.

The bird, which has been severely declining in population, has returned to Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park in Colchester, Essex, for the summer.

According to Essex Wildlife Trust, the nature park is a "stronghold" for the "iconic" species, supporting 1% of the entire UK population.

Lauren Cosson, communications manager for the trust, said the park was "extremely lucky" to have the birds return.

"These songbirds need to be heard in person, with their stunning vocal repertoire of over 1,000 sounds," she said.

Other songbirds, such as skylarks, have a vocal range of about 340 sounds.

"Whether you live locally or are visiting them from afar, coming to hear the nightingales is a must for any wildlife lover," Ms Cosson said.

According to the trust, the males produce a range of trills, whistles, gurgles and crescendos in order to find and impress a mate.

Once paired, the males then fall silent so it is recommended to visit from now until mid-May.

While some visitors may hear them during the day, the songbirds are most vocal at dawn and dusk.

It is believed that the population of nightingales has dropped 90% in the past 50 years.

"Each year we count ourselves extremely lucky to have nightingales return to Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park," Ms Cosson added.

The nature park has accessible footpaths throughout where the birds can be heard without disturbing them.