328 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT. 
part of them were migrants, and had undoubtedly been attracted 
by the excessive crop of acorns. At all times the bird is very 
common in this district, but I have never seen it in such vast 
numbers before. (Generally, acorns are very scarce in Cheshire ; 
it is only in exceptional seasons, such as 1898, that there is 
anything like a crop.)” 
Mr. Wottry Dop also writes {from Edge Hall): “The most 
remarkable feature in birds this autumn and winter, has been the 
great abundance of Wood Pigeons and Wild Ducks, owing to the 
large crop of acorns, which always attract them.” 
Mr G. W. Hayes tells me he once counted sixty-nine acorns of 
ordinary size in the crop of one which he shot. 
* Columba cenas. Srocx-Dove. 
BrockHouss says: ‘‘A common resident. This species ordina- 
rily nests in rabbit holes, but I have known it nest in ivy growing 
on a wall close to the front door of a house. R Barron, Esq., tells 
me that at Caldy this bird sometimes nests on the ground under 
bushes of dwarf gorse as well as in rabbit holes.” (Br. p. 10.) 
Fairly common at Burton, breeding in the forks of big trees 
[E.T.L.]; and along the Dee shores, breeding in rabbit holes 
[W.E.S.]; also at Eaton [R.J.S.]; Moston [W.H.D.]; Backford 
[R.P.B.], nesting in trees. Very common at Edge Hall, breeding in 
old trees, on the trunk head, or inside it [(C.W.D ]; not uncommon 
at Nant-y-ffrith, breeding in rocks, hollow trees, and rabbit burrows 
[R.H.V.K.]. At Maesmor common but local, breeds regularly in 
hollows between the branches of old lime trees, and in deep holes 
in the sand [W.J.K.] Common and general in Mr. Ruppy’s 
district, breeding in rabbit burrows and hollow trees. Breeds in 
the Warrens at Talacre [Str P.M.] (see also Liverpool Nat. 
Journal, Aug., 1866.) Occurs at Abergele [J.H.]; Colwyn Bay, 
but is not common [A.O.W.] 
I am puzzled about the Doves which I am told breed on the 
Orme’s Heads; I think they are probably of this species, but 
possibly the Rock Dove may also be there. 
[Columba livia. Rocx-Dovz 
No certain record that I can discover. ] 
* Turtur communis. Turttz-Dove. 
In Wirral ‘‘a common summer visitor to Ness, Burton, and Pud- 
dington; I think also to the adjacent neighbourhood.” (Br. p. 10.) 
Common in some seasons at Burton [E.T.L.] Not observed at 
Ledsham [W.E.8.j Not uncommon about Chester, and seems to 
be increasing ; is frequently seen on the Dee Cop [8.C.] Breeds 
at Backford, eggs taken June 18, 1889 [R.P.B.]; and occasionally 
at Saighton and Eaton [R.J.8.] I have eggs taken at Saighton 
more than twenty years ago. 
