Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus )

We had a walk round Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve.  A reserve we have passed before but never made time to visit.  One of the first sights which greeted us was a flock of Lapwings.  A bird of many names, Lapwing, Peewit, Green Plover, whatever you call it it was a pleasing sight.  Lapwings have red list conservation status the population having fallen by 59% between 1967 and 2020.  Probably owing to farming practices.

Later in the day we had a problem.  Keeping out of the way of another boat near a bridge we got hard aground.  Full power forward or back would not move us.  Fortunately, I managed to get the boat crossways in the canal.  This meant two thing, first I could get off and add my weight to the boat's power.  Secondly, any boat that came along would be forced to tow us off before they could proceed.  Fortunately a man walking his dog added to my pulling on the stern line moved us off the obstruction.