DID you know that it is unlucky if a bird looks in through your window?

Well, that’s what I was always told. But this time the bird wasn’t looking in by choice – he had crashed into the glass. He was stunned and it was an unlucky day for him.

I have tried everything; sticking black outlines of a bird of prey on the glass and moving the bird table well away. But nothing seems to stop the occasional crash, where a bird mistakes the window for a way through into our house.

Sometimes, in the morning, when I go into the sun room, I see a white outline of a bird on the glass.

There, like a ghost, is an imprint for me to see and marvel at. The wings are always raised, and the body shape is clear.

Goldfinches have been here, all winter, at our bird table, eating nyjer seeds or sunflower hearts. There are always two; one on one side of the feeder, and one on the other, like beautiful book ends. Also, if I look carefully in the garden, I can see little movements everywhere.

And if I look even more carefully, I can see that the goldfinches are weaving in and out of the dead flower heads. They love teasel most of all, but I can see them on the Michaelmas daises, helianthemums and on the evening primrose heads. They peck at the seeds which have developed there.

The male is supposed to have a slightly longer beak and is able to prize the seeds out of teasels, while the female goes for easier flower heads – she has a slightly shorter beak.

Then, at night, just as the sun is setting and lighting up the alder trees, I see goldfinches, up there, eating the trees’ seeds.

The stunned goldfinch came round, gradually. But I am still left with the problem of what to do to prevent birds flying into the glass.

Maybe I’ll stop cleaning the window – so it’s not a clear view through.

But then, how will I see the birds?! – Vicky will be talking about her book – It’s Not A Boy! – at Cabin Lane Church tomorrow at 2pm.