Sam Owen was out snapping photos in her garden last weekend when she spotted the European greenfinch. "I’ve only seen one of these birds in our garden before and this is the first time I’ve photographed one," Mrs Owen said. Greenfinch populations declined hugely in the 1970s and 1980s(Image: Sam Owen Photography)They are regular garden visitors as they are able to take advantage of the food available in both rural and urban locations. Greenfinch populations declined during the late 1970s and early 1980s but increased dramatically during the 1990s. READ MORE: Rare birds spotted across Norfolk this summerA recent fall in numbers has been linked to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease that prevents the birds from feeding properly.