Finches

Big F, little f; what begins with f?

A flurry of finches fussing over fine filigree.

Saint Austin's Pub also has an aviary full of Zebra finches.

I realize this is a family pub; so I hope my customers are not offended by this photo of the bathing beauties in their hot tub.

Several months ago Mrs Augustine bought me an aviary full of finches. They aren't annoying like parrots. Finches don't want attention like parrots. They are content simply to have fresh water and fresh seed. They don't squawk like parrots; they just chatter. Their conversation reminds me of the song from the Music Man, "Pick-a-little, Talk-a-little" While I might be able to write or talk knowledgeably about various types of beer, ale, porter and stout; and I might be able to discuss the pros and cons of different fountain pens, I don't know anything about finches other than what seems to make them content. Although, like people that isn't always easy to figure out - finches are constantly fussing and fighting with one another. "That's my perch!" "No, that's my perch!" "Get out of my nest!" "Who do you think you are sitting next to my girlfriend?" It goes on like that all day. Fortunately, once the sun goes down they calm down: "do not let the sun go down on your anger" I guess they know their Bible verses.

One of the most entertaining things to do when you visit the Pub (we are easily entertained) is take your pint outside and sit in one of the chairs surrounding the aviary and watch the ever busy finches. Bath time is the most entertaining.

These finches are drying and preening after morning bath time.