THE BIRDS OF HAMPSTEAD, 



97 



Twite, Z. flavirostris. In October, 1866, a few of these birds were observed 

 about the Heath, in company with Linnets. 



Scarlet Grosbeak, Pyrrhula crythrina. A hen bird of this rare species was 

 taken at Caen Wood on October 5, 1870 {fide Bond, Zoologist^ 1870, p. 2383 ; 

 see also Yarrell's " British Birds," 4th ed., ii. p. 173). 



Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra. A rare and uncertain visitor. Generally in small 

 flocks in winter. Observed at Hampstead in Scotch fir-trees in 1855, 

 1859, 1868, and 1880. In February, 1880, a little flock visited the fir-trees 

 by the Spaniards. 



Hoopoe, Upiipa epops. In the summer of 1830 one was shot near Caen Wood. 

 In the spring of 1866 one was observed on the embankment of the Kentish 

 Town Railway, and two were shot in 1875 in Gospel Oak Field near Hamp- 

 stead. 



The absence of any considerable pools, and the distance from any river, save 

 the Brent in the adjoining parish of Hendon, sufficiently explain the scarcity of 

 water-fowl in the district under notice. All that can be claimed or expected at 

 the present day is the occasional glimpse of a passing flock travelling high over- 

 head en route for haunts more congenial to their habits. 



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