BIRDS OF DUBLIN AND WICKLOW. 453 
Siskin. — Observed every winter, but I have never come 
across a flock of more than five or six. They may be heard 
almost any day in winter along the valley of the Tolka, though 
not always seen, as they are generally on the other side of the 
river. J shot a hen bird on March 15th, 1878, in this neigh- 
bourhood. Near Donnybrook Chapel I have seen them during 
winter; and near Bray, and in other places, I have occasionally 
seen a solitary one. I fancy that some of them breed in 
Powerscourt, as I have heard one or two there on June 23rd 
and also on July 1st, 1878, when I happened to be there. 
CHAFFINCH.— Our commonest bird. It is met with everywhere, 
and in some places in large numbers. 
Srarrow.—Common. There is a periodical migration of these 
birds from and to the city of Dublin. They disappear soon after 
the young birds are full grown, and do not return until about the 
end of October or beginning of November, when nice clean, fresh- 
looking Sparrows are to be seen for a short time; but they soon 
lose their clean appearance, and become regular town birds again. 
I have several times seen pied varieties in the streets. 
Common Buntine.—F ound in suitable localities, and numerous 
near the sea-coast from Dollymount to Malahide. In the winter, 
usually, a few may be seen near the Pigeon-House Fort and 
North Bull. 
YELLOWHAMMER. — Common in suitable localities in both 
counties. It seems to have withstood the late severe winter 
almost better than any other bird. 
BLACK-HEADED Buntine.—Local. I have seen it near Bal- 
doyle, Malahide, and also in Wicklow. 
Snow Buntine.-—Hitherto I have considered this bird a regular 
winter visitor; but last winter I did not come across a single 
- specimen. In 1872 there were some hundreds im a flock on the 
North Bull, where there were always a few to be seen until the 
winter of 1877-78. I have twice seen them as late as the first 
week in May. In 1876 and 1877 these birds were frequently to be 
seen between the Coastguard Station and the Pigeon-House Fort ; 
there were five the first year and two the second. They were 
very tame, allowing approach within five or six feet of them. 
Buuirincu.—This bird is getting scarce, particularly on the 
north side of Dublin. In 1871 and 1872 I used to see a good 
many, but since then they have either been destroyed or have 
