CHAFFINCH. 81 
in an old sandstone quarry at Burton ; most of the nests 
—constructed of grass stems and wool, and lined with a 
profusion of fowls’ feathers—were placed in fissures in 
the rock, but two were built amongst the matted roots 
of gorse-bushes at the top of the rock face. In each 
of the clutches we examined, one egg was markedly 
lighter and less profusely spotted than the others. 
The late J. F. Robinson stated that the Tree Sparrow 
was not uncommon in the hilly districts near Frodsham, 
where he often found nests, either in hollow trees— 
apple and pear as a rule—or amongst the loose sticks 
at the base of Rooks’ and Magpies’ nests. In one case 
which came under his notice, a swarm of bees took 
possession of the nesting-hole and destroyed the young 
birds! Mr. H. H. Corbett tells us that he has found 
the Tree Sparrow nesting at Bramhall, and Mr. W. H. 
Peterkin has eggs from that locality. A few pairs 
nest in the old timber in Dunham Park, and the 
bird probably breeds in similar situations in other 
parts of the Plain. 
In winter the Tree Sparrow is more generally diffused, 
at any rate in the north of the county, and we have 
frequently seen it feeding in farmyards or by the road- 
side in company with House Sparrows, Chafiinches, and 
Yellow Ammers. 
CHAFFINCH. 
FRINGILLA C&LEBS, Linnzeus. 
Flackie, Pied Finch, Pydie, Twink, Spink, Pitefinch. 
The Chaffinch is one of our commonest residents, 
and is found abundantly throughout the county, nesting 
1 Manchester City News, October 14, 1882 
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