

THE HAWFINCH 



{Coccothraiistes vulgaris) 



Owing to its skulking habits and shy timid disposition, 

 the Hawfinch is thought to be much rarer than it really is. 

 A bird of conspicuous plumage, it loves to hide amongst the 

 dense vegetation of the woods and shrubberies and orchards, 

 only venturing out to feed when all is quiet, especially in 

 early morning, and hurrying back again into the cover at the 

 least alarm. So retiring is this fine handsome bird that 

 several pairs may take up their residence in a quiet corner of 

 the woods or orchard and remain unobserved for months. I 

 often meet with the Hawfinch at dusk amongst the gloomy- 

 looking yews under which I am standing on the look-out for 

 my little feathered friends, the Eedwings and the Bullfinches. 

 Perhaps it has been feeding amongst the distant beech trees, 



