THE TURTLE-DOVE. 285 



considers that it can only be ranked as a 

 straggler.^ All the specimens which have come 

 under his own observation were obtained in 

 spring or autumn. In the Hebrides specimens 

 have been shot in I slay and Skye, but in the 

 outer islands none have been seen. Dr. Saxby 

 says that the Turtle-Dove, " although formerly 

 very scarce in Shetland, may now be seen 

 every year in certain of the gardens — that 

 at Halligarth especially — between spring and 

 autumn. It has always occurred singly. With 

 nearly all the habit was to wander away during 

 the day-time, returning at night to roost in one 

 particular tree.* 



It was first known to occur in Shetland in 

 the autumn of 1856, when Mr. Edmondston of 

 Buness shot one at Balta Sound. " It was but 

 little seen from that time until about six years 

 ago (1868), by which time the trees had grown 

 above the walls, offering a more suitable refuge 

 for stragglers of this description." On two 



' "The Birds of the West of Scotland," p. 223. 

 2 " The Birds of Shetland," p. 152. 



