Eccentric Behaviour At the lakeside I saw several whinchats in
the rough heath. One perched in a little bush close to my feet, and was unaware of my presence. I reached out, and, without expecting to catch the bird, was able to pick it up. It did not flutter, and I examined its head where there was a small, grey bulbous growth. Apart from this, the bird seemed in good condition. Because I had some rough ground to cover and wanted to show the bird to my companion, I put it gently in my jacket-pocket and made my way back. Along the bank I encountered an elderly lady who was looking after her husband's fishing-gear, and we exchanged a few polite words about the weather and the scenery. Just as I was turning away, the whinchat popped out of my pocket and flew off. The lady gasped audibly, and looked so astonished that I didn't know what to say. I hurried on, conscious of the impression I had created. I was surely marked as an eccentric with all kinds of wild life hidden away in my clothing.
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