in consequence of its shy and retiring habits it has probably been
occasionally overlooked, and escaped the notice of the numerous gunners
to whom it would otherwise have more frequently fallen a victim. The
bird-stuffer and carpenter in Alderney had one spread out on a board and
hung up behind his door, which had been shot by his friend who shot the
Greenland Falcon, in the winter of 1876 and 1877, somewhere about
Christmas. I know no instance of its remaining to breed in the Islands,
though it may occasionally do so in Guernsey, as there are many places
suited to it, and in which it might well make its nest without being
observed. As it seems increasing in numbers throughout England, it is by
no means improbable that it will visit the Channel Islands more
frequently. The Hawfinch is included in Professor Ansted's list, and by
him marked as occurring only in Guernsey. There are two specimens in the
Museum.

67. GREENFINCH. _Coccothraustes chloris_, Linnaeus. French, "Grosbec
verdier," "Verdier ordinaire."--The Greenfinch is a common resident, and
breeds in all the Islands, but is certainly not quite so common as in
England. It is more numerous perhaps in Guernsey and Sark than in
Alderney; it is also pretty common in Jethou and Herm.

It is included in Professor Ansted's list, but only marked as occurring
in Guernsey and Sark. There is no specimen in the Museum.

68. GOLDFINCH. _Carduelis elegans_, Stephens. French, "Chardonneret,"
"Grosbec chardonneret."--The Goldfinch is resident in and breeds in all
the Islands. In Guernsey I was told a few years ago that it had been
much more numerous than it then was, the bird-catchers having had a good
deal to answer for in having shortened its numbers. It is now, however,
again increasing its numbers, as I saw many more this year (1878) than I
had seen before at any time of year. There were several about the Grand
Mare, and probably had nests there, and I saw an old pair, with their
brood out, at St. George on the 5th of June, and soon after another
brood about Mr. De Putron's pond, where they were feeding on the seeds
of some thistles which were growing on the rough ground about the pond.
I have also seen a few in Alderney; and Captain Hubbach writes me word
that the Goldfinch was quite plentiful here (Alderney) in the winter of
1862 and 1863. But he adds--"I have not seen one here this year." So
probably its numbers are occasionally increased by migratory flocks in
the w