The woods in the Nevesink Valley, in Ulster County, are literally alive with wild pigeons. They first made their appearance in that vicinity in February, but the weather turning very cold, left for other parts, returning as soon as the weather became milder. They now cover an area of about nine miles long by two in width, and have commenced building their nests. In many places they are so thick upon the trees that the boughs break. Thousands have already been killed.
May 4, 1860. Important to sportsmen. New York Daily Tribune 20(5937): 7.