Attenborough

Another trip into Toton this morning, to have my eyes re-tested at Tesco. It appears that the optician made too great a change to the prescription in my right eye and has now corrected it and sent the specs away to be changed. So, we will see what happens when they come back!
Not wanting to waste the morning completely, we decided to take a stroll around the Attenborough nature reserve nearby before going to Tesco. Seen here in a Google Earth view.

The area is a watery paradise for birds and animal of all kinds. The first of which were making quite a racket out on a small island in one of the lakes. Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) are a rather vocal bird, especially at this time of year when their thoughts turn to romance. The call of the Lapwing give it it's other common name of Peewit. It is also known as the Green Plover and is still fairly common throughout Europe although very vulnerable to encroaching human activity and the destruction of it's habitat.

As we continued on our way we heard the goose-like honking of Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) roosting in a tree. These large wading birds seem a little strange perched in trees, but are quite comfortable there. Their displaying and calling pointed to the fact that they too had seduction in mind.

Avoiding the puddles and mud - of which there was plenty - we were afforded a fine view of the coal-fired power station at Ratcliff. The steam and smoke from it's chimneys were forming vast clouds which drifted over us. Strangely attractive in it's industrial vastness.

More tomorrow....