stones with its powerful beak, and to feast upon the 
kernels. And the bird is so wary, that it is very difficult 
indeed to get within gunshot of it. Its depredations in 
cultivated ground are generally carried on quite early in the 
morning, when nobody is about, and when the birds assemble 
Ne in small flocks, as they frequently 
do, for purposes of organised 
robbery, a sentinel is invariably 
placed in some commanding situation, 
whose warning cry is immediately 
understood by all his fellows. 
In justice to the Hawfinch, 
however, it should be said that the 
nestlings are fed, not only with peas, but 
also to some extent, with grubs and cater- 
pillars; so that there is some slight set- 
off against its ravages. 
Hawfinches occasionally build 
their nests in gardens or orchards, 
78 
