Hawfinches are shy birds, rarely seen. That is what the books say.

Notes in books are black and white, with coloured pictures, often

photographs.

They come to the gate with walking boots, notebooks and sun hats

in the summer. If they come tall  find it hard to negotiate the lower

branches.

A country garden.

Roger found things difficult, a sensitive soul standing six feet four. Some

were cut on his advice.

The first negotiation.

The grass banks slip while wet ; safety training  kicks in.

Royal Mail.                                                   Country Garden.

Those watchers climb the back stone steps to watch the birds. In groups they come

with binoculars.

Ask to see the skull; the big beak.

Second negotiation; two of many.

By my gate it fell.

The hawfinch.