Madeiran Chaffinch

Known locally as "tentilhão", the Madeiran chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs maderensis) is of the same family as our British Isles' chaffinches, but exclusive to this sub-tropical island. As you see, its colouring differs slightly - more green and pale yellow than crimson. This one was asking for cake crumbs as we enjoyed coffees at the Palheiro gardens that we reached by bus. As I'm sure I've said before, every garden here has its own character, similar yet different from others we've visited. This one was delightful, too.

It's the last day of our holiday and the weather has been so much better than forecast. We shall miss the warm sunshine. After this morning's sortie, we had a last swim in the hotel pool, and then headed back into Funchal for early dinner, choosing to eat outdoors at one of the restaurant's pavement tables, rather than indoors. All very lovely. Now all that remains is to pack our bags ready for early breakfast tomorrow, before heading to the airport.