THEY may feature in song, but ornithologists are concerned The Twelve Days of Christmas may soon be the only home for turtle doves in Britain.
The summer visitors' numbers are in serious decline in the UK, and research is to begin in the Yorkshire Dales to establish the extent of the problem.
The Swale and Ure Washlands Project is pioneering a count, but it is hoping for help from the public.
"Any observations would be welcome, even from previous years," said project officer Siobhan Walker.
"We need to know how many are around the Rivers Ure and Swale, whether there are more or less than before, what sort of places they prefer - in fact, any information which is useful.''
Old quarry sites have proved popular with the birds in the past.
They are easily recognised for their distinctive, rolling "purring" call, their sandy-coloured upper plumage, and pinkish breast and underparts.
Details of all sightings can be sent to Siobhan Walker at the Swale and Ure Washlands Project, Heritage Unit, County Hall, Northallerton DL7 8AH.
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