186 



THE BIRDS OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 



footpath in a large wood, and within ten days after 

 the taking of the young Hawfinches was occupied by 

 a Wood-Pigeon, who added a few twigs to the nest, 

 and thereupon hatched and reared two young. I 

 have been informed of the nesting of Hawfinches at 

 Deene, Weklon, Bulwick, and near Northampton, so 

 that we may now reckon this species as a regular 

 resident in our county. The Hawfinch is a very shy 

 and wary bird, by no means easy to approach, but in 

 captivity becomes very familiar, and though its vocal 



HawfirLcli. 



capabilities are not remarkable, is amusing from its 

 grotesque manners and attitudes. In the winter 

 months the food of this species consists of beech- 

 mast, the seeds of the hornbeam, and the kernels of 

 haws and other berries. I have often noticed that 

 the Hawfinch rejects the flesh or pulp of fruit, and 

 appears to care only for the seed or kernels, for 



