298 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT. 
Mr. Ruppy notes—‘ Large flocks in winter. Food: Seeds 
of alder and birch trees.” 
Now and then in winter at Nant-y-ffrith [R.H.V.K.] 
Noted in.March at Abergele [J. H.] 
* Passer domesticus. Housz-Sparrow. 
Abundant everywhere. Mr. NewsTeEaD records that he has 
twice seen it feed its young with ‘‘ Daddy Long-legs” ( 7zpula Sp.) 
On the first occasion at Upwell, Cambs., some years ago; on 
the second at Thornton-le-Moors, in August, 1893. 
* Passer montanus. TREE-SPARROW 
Not uncommon on the north side of Chester; making 
BROCKHOLES’ information a probability, viz. :—‘tI am assured 
this bird nests near Bache House, Chester.” (Br. p. 8.) 
Mr. Ecroyp SmirH found it breeding at Hooton, on 
April 28th, 1866 (Liverpool Nat. Journ., Sept , 1866, p. 54.) 
Breeds at Upton (E.C.D]. and Backford (1889) [R.P.B.], and 
occasionally at Ince, where it is fairly common [R.N.] 
Mr. R. H. V. Kyrxe, Nant-y-ffrith, notes it as very rare, and 
adds: “‘have only once taken its eggs. This nest was taken 
near Wrexham about twenty-five years ago.” This is the only 
record, as far as I know, of its nesting in Wales, except in 
Breconshire. Mr. Ruppy has not observed it in his district. 
Mr. S. CumminGs and I observed it in the Ceiriog Valley, in 
June, 1893, One ‘‘killed near Nannerch, E.C.W.” [A. Dick. ] 
* Fringilla coelebs. CHAFFINCH. 
** An abundant resident ” in Wirral (Br. p. 8.), and through- 
out the district, breeding wherever there are trees, and often 
collecting into flocks in winter. 
* Fringilla montifringilla. Bramerine. 
A winter visitor; in some years numerous near Chester; 
usually, I think, in January and February. A regular visitor to 
Ince; often in great numbers [R.N.] In 1883 they arrived 
in this locality in the early autumn, which is quite unusual 
[R.N., Senr. ] 
In flocks at Edge, generally towards the end of winter 
[C.W.D.] Not common at Aldford [R.J.S.] 
Mr. Ruppy notes—:: Large flocks in winter from October to 
March, feeding on Beechmast, Haws, &c.” 
Also at Maesmor W.].K.] and Wrexham [A.D.]; and Mr. 
R. H. V. Kykke notes liaving seen it once or twice ‘‘in the late 
spring months.” 
