Bucking the Trend

While Twites and Linnets are  rarely seen near suburban gardens the Goldfinch is now firmly established as a garden bird. He is often to be seen and heard perched on the TV aerial on my roof but always looks at his best out here. Looking his best is something of a speciality of the Goldfinch. Few birds can rival his colouring and while others are quietly moulting he remains in sparkling garb. My impression is that the Goldfinch has done very well in recent years.

Another bird that's done well is the Wood Pigeon presently devouring any fruit he can find and very fond of bilberry and (in my garden) redcurrants. These ones have recently descended on Blacka's bilberries. 

There has been talk of hiring a Peregrine to save the crop, a better solution than shotguns certainly. Better still let's have more birds of prey around naturally and less persecution from the shooting industry.