GOLDFINCH. 101 



field in Middlesex, in the vicinity of the Thames, we ob- 

 served, about the middle of it, a spot above six feet in cir- 

 cumference, entirely covered with the remains of at least a 

 hundred Goldfinches. These had evidently been the prey 

 of some hawk that frequented the neighbourhood, most pro- 

 bably a kestril ; but why this particular spot should be chosen 

 for its dining-place, was not so apparent. On examining the 

 place, however, we observed that the spot was a little ele- 

 vated above the rest of the field, and the ground had for 

 some days previously been covered with snow. The snow 

 might have lain more sparingly upon this spot than else- 

 where, or from its slight elevation above the rest of the field, 

 might have been swept off by the wind, and thus have afford- 

 ed a motive to the hawk to choose it as a resting-place. 

 Many of the hawk tribe are supposed to carry home their 

 prey, to a selected spot, for consumption ; of which the kes- 

 tril affords an example, for when confined by a chain, or par- 

 tially at liberty with its wing clipped, it is frequently observed 

 to carry to a certain spot, and secrete such portions of its food 

 as remain after its hunger is satisfied for the time. We 

 have even seen a bird of this species go again and again to 

 the spot, and peep to ascertain whether its treasure were still 

 in safety. 



This species, according to Temminck, is found from the 

 islands of the Grecian Archipelago, as far north as Siberia, 

 and is considered more or less stationary in all parts. In 

 the Shetland Isles, according to T. Edmonston, Esq., this 

 species is an irregular winter visitant. In a Fauna of Moray, 

 by the Rev. G. Gordon, the Goldfinch is spoken of 

 as not very common, although it is abundant in many 

 other parts of Scotland. In a note on this species in the 

 Zoologist, Mr. Hepburn says, " Many years have now 

 elapsed since the Goldfinch nestled about our ansteads and 

 villages, where they were once as plentiful as sparrows. 



