Fingringhoe Wick in July
Yesterday morning I made my July visit to Fingringhoe Wick, as part of my 2017 painting project.
It was a beautiful morning, very warm and sunny, but with a strong breeze too. I did a circuit of some of my favourite hides and viewing points, starting with the estuary viewing point, and then visiting Kingfisher Hide, Margaret Hide, the various paths above the Inter-tidal area, and Laurie’s Hide which was a new one for me.
The surrounding barley fields looked ready to harvest – the bearded heads were hanging right over. Some of the wheat fields on the approach road had already been cut. The meadow above the inter-tidal area, where sheep grazed in the spring, is now a mass of seeded grasses. The oak trees were covered with small immature acorns, and the blackberries are turning red.
The big excitement of the morning was seeing a Peregrine Falcon. I have to confess I would not have recognised it, in fact I probably wouldn’t have even seen it, but for two very birdy men who were in the Kingfisher Hide at the same time. They seemed to know everything there is to know about birds! Very lucky for me. I kept very quiet and listened and looked.
Here are a few photos of my morning.
There were beautiful wispy cloud formations
Reed reflections
And Reed Mace
Drawing on the high estuary viewing spot
The view from Kingfisher Hide. There was a pair of swans with a cygnet on the little island in the middle (out of shot!)
The inter-tidal area. The tide went out while I was there.
At the top of the slope above Margaret Hide. Having a little break!
The lake by the Visitors Centre is looking beautiful with all the overhanging trees.
Apple juice and CAKE!
I primed up some board this morning to make a start on my July painting.
And I also made some strawberry jam!
I use the recipe from the River Cottage Handbook Number 2: Preserves, which is such a useful book. Raspberry Jam coming up tomorrow!
Hope your week is going well. 🙂