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 Islay 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 knbwn 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. 



