492 THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. 



In the west of the county it was reported about 1875 ; 

 in Masham neighbourhood it was first observed about 1842, 

 and numerous correspondents furnish information as to the 

 extreme rarity of the bird until the latter quarter of the 

 past century. It is now found breeding more or less abund- 

 antly in most districts, and in localities where it was un- 

 known until within comparatively recent years, being reported 

 even in the high dales to upwards of 1000 feet elevation ; 

 indeed, it may be described as being generally diffused, 

 excepting on the moorlands, and in manufacturing districts, 

 where the conditions are unsuitable to its existence. 



In severe winters it congregates in considerable flocks, 

 associating with its larger relative, the Ring-Dove, in search 

 of food. Several perished at Flamborough in the hard winter 

 of 1878-79, and near Redcar, in February 1888, no fewer than 

 fourteen of these birds were killed at a single shot, whilst feeding 

 on cabbages in a field adjacent to the coast. It is common 

 in winter at Lowthorpe, where, on 22nd January 1897, out 

 of sixty pigeons obtained, twenty were of this species. Though 

 it is possible these assemblies are attributable to the gathering 

 together of birds from various parts of this and neighbouring 

 counties, and not to Continental immigrants, there nevertheless 

 is sometimes an oversea migration. 



It is mentioned in the Fifth Migration Report (p. 50) 

 " 25th October, at Kilnsea, one seen coming in from sea, 

 and observed to pitch in a field near." At the Teesmouth 

 a flight was noticed coming from seaward on 5th October 

 1901, and, in the following year, manj' were reported coming 

 in at Flamborough in November. 



The Stock-Dove now breeds commonly in the Beverley 

 district ; Mr. Boyes has several pairs inhabiting boxes in his 

 garden, and a few have nested in the Minster and the Parish 

 Church. In addition to its usual nesting sites in rabbit 

 burrows and holes of trees, it is found in quarries, on the 

 rocky ledges of inland " scars," such as those on the 

 Hambleton Hills, in ivy-clad ruins, and occasionally in 

 deserted nests of other birds, and on the wall-plates of field 

 sheds. I have frequently seen it on the sea-cliffs which 



