BIRDS FREQUENTING ELDER PARK, GOV AN. 215 



Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). — The Chaffinch is to be found 

 nearly all the year round, except during the hottest period of 

 summer or in very cold weather. At no time, however, is it 

 very plentiful. It begins to sing at the end of February. 

 Last year (190T) a pair of Chaffinches built a lovely little 

 nest in a Hawthorn. The outside was covered with the silver 

 bark of the Birch (Betula alba), of which there are many 

 small trees within the grounds; but alas! the branch was 

 broken off on 23rd April, the day of the Naval Volunteer 

 Review. This is the only occasion on which I have observed 

 the Chaffinch attempt to build its nest within the grounds. 



Brambling (Fringilla monti fringilla J. — Whilst Br amblings 

 were being reported as common all round the city, nothing 

 was seen of them in the park till 15th March, 1907, when, 

 after a slight fall of snow, a pair were noted amongst the tall 

 tiees on the west side. Want of time prevented my making 

 further search. 



Linnet (Acanthis cannabina). — On 12th December, 1907, a 

 small flock of Linnets visited the south side of the park. As 

 many as nine could be seen at once, while, on the other side 

 of the road from the park, quite a number could be seen on 

 the hedge. Seven were observed on the following day, after 

 which they seem to have left the district, as the weather at 

 that time was wet and boisterous. On 31st January, 1908, 

 which was very stormy, a small flock of Linnets was seen at 

 the south-west corner. As these birds were very common in 

 Bellahouston Park at that time, they may possibly have 

 come from there to the Elder Park. On 6th February — an 

 ideal spring morning — a Linnet was heard pouring forth its 

 sweet song amongst the tall trees near the gardener's house. 



Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis rufescens). — A pair of Redpolls 

 were seen on 11th March, 1907, amongst the tall trees in the 

 south-west corner. 



Yellow Bunting (Emberiza citrinella). — The Buntings are 

 only occasional visitors. One Yellow Bunting was seen in the 

 month of May, 1906, and the species was again noted three 

 times during June and August, 1907. 



