I still have some days holiday left to fit in by the end of this year so I decided to use one today and return to Sheppey. My highlight was visiting the RSPB raptor watchpoint - can there be a more 'arty' raptor watchpoint than this? However, I found that the wild birds and scenery outshone the sculpture.
As the landscape here is so flat, the watchpoint is just a slightly raised area creating fine views of the surrounding marsh and farmland. I had a great time watching Marsh Harriers quartering the reeds and a Bearded Tit 'pinging' away in a nearby ditch. Three Buzzards were loping around the fields plus one 'ringtail' Hen Harrier and a couple of Kestrels. Redwings seem to be everywhere and in good numbers already this Winter and now plenty of Fieldfares are joining them.
Dusk was moody but extremely windy so I found a sheltered spot beside some dense hedgerow and was rewarded by eight Marsh Harriers coming in to roost. On one occasion all eight were visible at the same time through my telescope - a fabulous sight!
Earlier in the day, I found this great piece of coastline - I think I feel another painting coming on.
A very nice day and thanks for taking me along with you, by your post, visiting these beautiful lands! Dear Jerry,I think the last picture is created to be painted!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rita, it was a treat to be able to spend a day out in the fresh air.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and text, so many different moods captured..and yes, the last one is begging to be painted :-)) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane, yes the atmosphere of the area and changing weather conditions added another dimension to my day. I'm toying with the idea of painting this view or one of the others that I have taken.
DeleteI enjoyed your trip with you, Jerry! I see wonderful paintings coming on!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post Judy - it would definitely be wonderful if you painted it!
DeleteYou clearly had a very pleasant day Jerry and it must have been wonderful to watch the Marsh Harriers coming in to roost. I have never seen or heard a Bearded Tit so I would have loved that. The last of your lovely photos would definitely make a very nice painting.
ReplyDeleteJan, the Marsh Harriers were definitely the highlight for me but the Bearded Tit certainly ran them close! The last time I painted a similar scene I used acrylics but I usually default to watercolour for 'non-work' painting so I'm a bit undecided at the moment.
DeleteBonitas fotos Jerry. La foto del camino y la última son muy adecuadas para ver dos pinturas tuyas. ¡Ya estoy esperando para verlas!
ReplyDeleteSaludos. Sonia.
Two paintings Sonia! Actually, I had also thought that the photograph of the road, bush and telegraph poles would work well too. It depends on what time allows.
DeleteMe gusta mucho esa fotografía con los maderos medio consumidos por el mar y el tiempo. De ahí se puede sacar una buena pintura, sin duda. Saludos Jerry.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the beach photograph - I'll have to get my paint brushes out. Saludos Francesc.
DeleteIt must have been wonderful to see so many different birds in one place. I think your beautiful moody sky photo is also worthy of a painting Jerry, it's lovely, and the composition and light in your last photo is just perfect.
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