NOTES ON THE HAWFINCH. 198 
the evidence to the same effect published since Doubleday’s paper 
appeared, of the constant spreading and ever increasing abundance of 
the Hawfinch.” Mr. Stevenson indeed suggests in his most interesting 
book, ‘‘ The Birds of Norfolk,” (Vol.I., p. 214,) thatthe frequent discovery 
of its nests of late years may be due to ‘‘ The more careful researches of 
modern Naturalists,” but if this were really the true explanation, I think 
we should hardly find such a careful observer as Gilbert White writing, 
‘‘ Birds of this sort are rarely seen in England and only in winter.” 
The species is saidin Yarrell (4th ed., Vol. IT., p. 100) to be still alocal 
one, there being ‘‘ Yet wide districts in which it is absolutely unknown.” 
Such being the case, I thought a short record of its occurrences in the 
immediate neighbourhood of Derby might not be uninteresting to the 
readers of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist.” I thinkit may be said correctly 
that, although the Hawfinch is not a very common bird here, it is a 
resident all the year round and regularly breeds; it has occurred very 
frequently this winter. 
1.—In the spring of 1874 a nest was found at Littleover, at the top 
of asmall larch about 12ft. high. The nest was composed of 
dried grass upon a foundation of twigs, the whole was very 
loosely put together; the eggs were of a dull green, streaked and 
spotted with a light brownish olive green, and indistinctly with a 
light purplish colour. 
2.—End of April, 1877, a pair nested in the churchyard at Darley 
Abbey. One of the old birds was shot. 
3.—In August 1878 four were shot in Mill Hill Lane, almost in the 
town, they were male, female, and two young ones. Most likely 
the old ones had bred in the neighbourhood. 
4.—December 12th, 1878, one shot and another seen in Littleover 
Lane. 
5.—Ist week in January, 1879, another seen at Littleover. 
6.—January 13th, 1879, one caught by a cat at Quarndon. 
7.—Several specimens were also seen during the late severe frost, 
about Belper and one at Spondon Hall, ‘Journal of Derbyshire 
Achzological and Natural History Society,” (Vol. I., p. 128). 
8.—One at St. James’ Parsonage Derby, on February 25th, 1879, 
which, overcoming its usual shyness, fed with the sparrows 
within two feet of a sitting room window. — Derby Mercury, 
February 26th, 1879. 
I may add, in conclusion, it is a thousand pities that this handsome 
species should be so ruthlessly shot as is generally the case, since, if only 
a little mercy were shown it, it would probably soon become much com- 
moner than it is at present.—Mururn, Derby, March 16th. 
Tae Hawrincn at Matvern.—The Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris) 
has been more numerous about Malvern this season than usual. I have 
heard of it and seen it in small flocks of six to eight in number and have 
received several fine specimens. This interesting bird was formerly con- 
sidered scarce in this neighbourhood, but, probably owing to there being 
more observant eyes than formerly, it is now known to be anything but 
uncommon ; partly too, perhaps, from its natural shyness it has often 
escaped the eye of the tyro ornithologist. Being naturally a shy bird, it 
avoids the neighbouroood of man, and hides itself in woods or other 
secluded spots. Its favorite resort here is a small fir plantation, where it 
