Birds. 9781 



in considerable numbers. A large flock also frequented the vicarage- 

 garden at Bishop's Castle a winter or two ago. 



Goldjinch {CaidiieVis, elegans). — 1 much fear this beautiful bird is on 

 the decrease, although at times I still see considerable numbers of 

 ihem. 



Siskin (Carduelis spinus). — A very uncertain visitant, occasionally 

 found on the alder- trees by rivers, associating with the lesser red- 

 pole. 



Common Linnet (Linota cannabina). — Very numerous. 



Mealy Redpole (Linota canescens). — Uncommon, but occasionally 

 met with. I had a good specimen sent to me last spring, killed by 

 Mr. Henry Beckwith, of Eaton Constantine. 



Lesser Redpole (Linota linaria). — Very common, and as 1 often see 

 them about here in the summer I have every reason to believe that 

 they nest with us regularly. 



Mountain Linnet (Linota montium). — Nests occasionally on the 

 Longmynd, though far from numerous in any locality. Perhaps it is 

 often overlooked, not being very readily distinguished from the common 

 linnet. 



Bull/inch (Pyrrhula vulgaris). — Still common, and nests with us 

 regularly. 



Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). — I have not met with this 

 bird for some years. Formerly they appeared in large flocks, 

 and remained for days in the larch plantations. Their move- 

 ments were most interesting, and they appeared to have very little 

 fear of man. 



Parrot Crossbill (Loxia pityopsittacus). — I have only seen two 

 specimens of this bird, obtained near Oswestry. 



Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). — Abundant. 



Rosecoloured Pastor. — (Pastor roseus). — I am informed of the 

 occurrence of this rare bird, in two instances, near Shrewsbury. 



Raven (Corvus corax). — This fine bird still exists in considerable 

 numbers on Clun Forest, the Stiperstones, and other high localities. 

 I have myself seen it this summer, when looking for the curlew's nest. 

 Occasionally its wild croak is heard passing over this house, but I fear 

 it has been driven from most of its former breeding- places. 



Carrion Crow (Corvus corone). — With scarcely a friend in the world, 

 the old carrion crow still survives, and seems to set the destructive 

 hand of man at defiance. 



Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix). — Occasionally met with, but not 

 very common : has been killed here in one instance. 



