2i6 BIRDS OF THE PUBLIC GARDEN 



II. European Goldfinch 



Carduelis carduelis 



On the morning of May 27, 1908, a bird 

 was perceived feeding on the grass near the 

 edge of the pond, which by its coloration 

 caused a moment of wondering surprise, 

 for it was none other bird than a full-plum- 

 aged European Goldfinch. It permitted a 

 somewhat near approach and was viewed 

 by myself and my companions with the 

 interest which attaches to a rare bird. It 

 might have continued longer in view, had 

 not a swan approached so near upon the 

 waters that the little finch was frightened 

 apparently at its immensity and whiteness, 

 and, flying across to the trees of the island, 

 was lost to view. The expectation was that 

 it would be likely to be seen the next day 

 and perhaps for several days, but it was 

 not looked upon again and must have gone 

 out of the Garden. 



A natural presumption would be that 

 this was an escaped cage-bird. Yet as Eu- 

 ropean Goldfinches have occasionally been 



