Machias Seal Islands 



245 



of this bird when handled (as shown in the photo) is evidently not sufficiently 

 disagreeable to mar his pleasure. Knowing my interest in the birds, the boy 

 brought me a live Petrel that had just been dug out, with its egg. My desire 

 to photograph him saved at least this bird from death, although losing its 

 nest and the solitary white perfect-ovaled egg at the end of the destroyed 

 burrow. I trust that my talk to the dog's owner, as well, did something tow^ard his 

 'restraining further slaughter, although I must admit he did not seem over-im- 

 pressed. [Through the efforts of the National Association of Audubon Societies 

 the dog was removed. See Mr. Pearson's note beyond. Editor.] 



In point of numbers, I think the Petrels well exceed the other combined 

 residents of the territory, although the Arctic and a few Common Terns take a 

 close second. 

 The greater 

 number of the 

 Terns breed on 

 the smaller 

 island, although 

 very abundant, 

 as well, on the 

 main one. The 

 number nesting 

 is probably at 

 least 2,000. I 

 found them very 

 tame, showing 

 little molesta- 

 tion or shooting, 

 some alighting 

 within a few 

 feet, and those 

 with young in 



the nest very bold, even flying down and striking my hat with their wings. 

 Some sheep feeding near, as well, were attacked by them, and, after several 

 sharp digs of the bills, took notice of better feeding in other localities. Some of 

 these eggs were laid on the bare rock, without the slightest semblance of a 

 nest; while others were carefully deposited in well-constructed nests of grasses 

 and seaweed. Numerous pairs of Spotted Sandpipers, also, had their home 

 on this lonely island, and, alighting near me on small rocks or mounds of grass, 

 would display great anxiety during my stay. 



The big Saddle Backs, or Great Black-backed Gulls, visit these islands to 

 feed, although nesting elsewhere, and a flock of some hundred or more, mostly 

 young, alighted on one of the rocky points as we set sail. 



rUING A LEACH'S PETREL 



