140 OBSERVATIONS ON THE 



60. ^GOLDFINCH (Carduelis elegans). " King Harry." 



A few pairs nest in our orchards every summer, but unfor- 

 tunately their broods are generally secured by some bird-- 

 fancier. The bird will soon be rare. 



61. SISKIN (Carduelis 



A winter migrant, uncertain in numbers, frequenting in 

 severe weather the alders by the river. 



62. * LESSER REDPOLL (Linota rufescens}. 



Resident, I think, in small numbers, but better known as a 

 winter visitor. Some years ago a very large flock frequented, 

 at this season, a wood near Mendham Mansion. 



63. *LiNNET (Linota linaria). " Brown," " grey," or "red 



Linnet." 



Not very plentiful. Nests frequently in the furze bushes 

 on the now enclosed and cultivated tract of land still known 

 as " Shotford Heath." 



64. ^BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula europwa). " Blood Olph." 

 A resident, sparingly distributed. 



65. * STARLING (Sturnus vulgar is). 

 Very common. 



66. *CARRION CROW (Corvus corone). 



A much-persecuted and now scarce bird. For years a pair 

 has attempted to breed in a plantation near Weybread Hall. 

 One or two nests are found every summer in the Gawdy Hall 

 Woods. The bird is frequently seen at Thorpe Abbots, and 

 nests in some high trees near the river. 



67. HOODED CROW (Corvus cornix). " Kentish Crow." 

 A regular and common winter migrant. 



68. *RoOK (Corvus frugilegus). 



Abundant. The largest rookeries in the neighbourhood 

 are at Flixton and Gawdy Hall. In 1881 the rooks returned 

 again to their old quarters in the lofty elms of the " White 

 House " garden, which had been deserted by the birds for 

 several years. Three nests were then built, and the number 

 has increased every year since. 



