CHAFFINCH. 
3 
and Chaffinches were constantly to he seen; and here again I remarked both males and females in about 
at thatTt CTS ; % m 1 considerably reinforceMht.h 
at t at date a few paws had evidently taken up their summer quarters along the more wooded portion of the 
coast-line. The mates were singing constantly during the sunshine when the weather was warm and bright 
I cannot call to mmd having heard the note of this species on previous seasons so early in the vear 
On the 5th of March 1883, several straggling parties of Chaffinches, with but few exceptions all males 
= — *" — — ■■■ —i •«'- ; 
During the summer months this handsome species takes up its quarters in gardens and pleasure-grounds 
in the immediate vicinity of dwelling-houses, as well as throughout the woods and coverts. A few pairs are 
also to be met with among the scattered bushes and plantations in remote and rocky glens, and even on the 
furze-covered downs of the southern counties. The neat and beautifully constructed nest is too well known to 
need description ; and the eggs are to be seen in the collection of every schoolboy. Seeds and insects supply 
the chief items of the food of this useful bird. Destructive it may be at times to the produce of the farm and 
garden; but the quantities of injurious caterpillars it clears off, atone amply for all its previous delinquencies, 
to severe weather it will greedily prey on the bones and crumbs provided for Kobins and other small pensioners 
and if hard pressed will ravenously attack raw flesh, if accessible*. 
* Vide Yellow Hammer. 
