NEST OF HAWFINCH IN ABERDEENSHIRE 183 



NEST OF HAWFINCH IN ABERDEENSHIRE. 

 By Douglas G. Hunter. 



While visiting at the United Free Manse, Methlick, I 

 found, on July 16, 1920, an uncomn:ion nest in a shrub on the 

 lawn. Believing it to be that of a Hawfinch, I forwarded it to 

 Dr Eagle Clarke and Mr Wm. Evans for identification. 

 They subsequently reported that it was undoubtedly a 

 Hawfinch's nest, and added that the occurrence carried 

 the nesting limit of the species much farther north than all 

 previous records. The circumstances relative to the event 

 are these : 



The manse is situated half a mile north of the village 

 of Methlick on the River Ythan, and about 15 miles from 

 the east coast. The district is almost wholly agricultural, 

 but the extensive woods of Haddo House approach within 

 a mile of the manse. The garden is large and well sheltered 

 by trees on all sides, except the south where there is a good 

 thorn hedge. It is well stocked with fruit trees and bushes, 

 and last summer there was a considerable area under peas 

 which are a favourite food of Hawfinches. 



When standing one day beside an arbor vitae shrub 

 on the lawn about 20 yards from the house, it occurred 

 to me that the shrub was a suitable place for birds building 

 in, and on pushing aside the dense ramage, the nest came 

 into view. It was built not more than 5 feet from the 

 ground, and the structure was typical of that of the 

 Hawfinch viz., a platform of strong twigs, on which rested 

 a shallow cup-shaped nest formed of fibrous material and 

 moss, with tufts of lichen, the lining consisting of fine 

 roots and one or two feathers. The nest had the appearance 

 of having been built a short time prior to the find, and 

 having been deserted for some unknown reason immedi- 

 ately after completion. The minister and his man were 

 the only persons who had occasion to be near the shrub 

 during the nesting season, but a cat and her kitten also 



