BIRDS OF DUMFRIESSHIRE 107 
The resuscitation of the species had begun in 1865, since 
when they have increased steadily. They escaped the 
hardships of the severe winter of 1878-1879, for we read, 
" Starhngs completely disappeared from the neighbourhood 
of Dumfries in the end of November, 1878, and did not 
reappear till the beginning of March, 1879." There seems 
httle doubt that " pastoral grazing which has succeeded 
so largely to arable cultivation has favoured the remarkable 
extension of the species."* 
As this increase has been maintained, a change in their 
nesting-habits has taken place ; suitable holes being too 
few for their numbers, nests had to be constructed in trees 
or bushes. " Mabie Moss " describes a " nest in a Portugal 
laurel bush, very large and clumsy, domed over with straw 
and rough litter, like a House-Sparrow's nest in a tree "f ; 
and the same observer states : ''At Corrie Common near 
Lockerbie over half a dozen nests of this description may 
be seen close together in one clump of trees. "{ Nowa- 
days, these open nests are commonly observed, and very 
curious nooks and crannies are utilized. In 1893 it is 
recorded that "In a drain hole in front of the platform 
at Shieldhill Station (Tinwald) quite on a level with the 
rails, a pair of Starhngs are rearing their young. The low 
situation of the nest is quite as remarkable as the boldness 
evinced by the parent birds in successfully hatching their 
young within a few feet of the trains that are continually 
passing along the line."§ 
Their nesting-period would seem to be becoming more 
and more prolonged. " Mabie Moss " reports " five young 
in nest at Guilliehill (Moffat) on November 21st, 1899." || 
Mr. William Wright in a letter to Mr. R. Service mentions 
a brood of Starlings successfully fledged by February 14th, 
* Trans. Edin. Field Nat. Soo., 1904-1905, Vol. V., Part 3, p. 183 
t Dumfries Courier and Herald, January 22nd, 1891. 
% Op. cit.. May 30th, 1891. 
§ Op. cit., June 2nd, 1893. 
II Kirkcudbright Advertiser, December 11th, 1899. 
