Reports of Field Agents 415 



of the state was made general. Protection for Eagles (which had been inad- 

 vertently dropped during a revision of the laws) was restored. The laws relat- 

 ing to the taking of migratory game-birds was made to conform to the revised 

 Federal law, thus placing Maine in the ranks of the states upholding that law. 



During the month of February a pair or more of Bald Eagles resorted to the 

 Back Cover in Portland, at the mouth of the Presumpscot River, between 

 Portland and Falmouth, feeding on the dead and sickly, and possibly some 

 healthy, Black Ducks, which bed in these places through the winter to the 

 extent of thousands. All the birds were near and in plain view of the numer- 

 ous trolley cars which traverse these sections. Many sportsmen, bird-students, 

 and interested persons resorted daily to the two bridges to enjoy the privilege 

 of observing these magnificent birds at close range, as well as the great con- 

 gregation of Black Ducks and Whistlers. Some viewing the Ducks that were 

 being eaten, which might afford a few extra targets another open season, 

 complained to the Commissioners of Inland Fisheries and Game that the 

 Eagles were doing large damage. Sensational reports under such captions as 

 ■'Eagles Eating the Back Bay Ducks" and "Battles in the Air" had appeared 

 in the local papers. The Commissioners issued permission to have the Eagles 

 destroyed and notified Warden Cushman of this action. Mr. Cushman, who 

 is also an Audubon warden as well as a state warden, reported to your agent, 

 who immediately communicated with the Chairman of the Commission, pre- 

 senting the facts in the case, and the Chairman, Mr. Harry B. Austin, at once 

 withdrew the permission. Careful watch of the Eagles was kept by your agent 

 and Warden Cushman until the ice broke up, allowing the Ducks to scatter 

 widely, but neither of us was able to witness the capture of a Duck or the 

 attempt of the Eagles to capture one. A few sickly Ducks, unable to fly, were 

 detected in the flock. 



No inspection of the large colonies of birds which breed in the state was 

 called for this year, and very little field-work was done. It was observed that a 

 large colony of Terns returned to the Outer Green Island, in Casco Bay, to 

 breed. A large colony of Black-crowned Night Herons, among which a few 

 Great Blue Herons were breeding, was visited in Casco Bay. This is a colony 

 not previously reported. 



Early in the winter a local Audubon Society, The "Cumberland County 

 Audubon Society," was organized in Portland with a gratifying membership. 

 This resulted in uniting the general interest in feeding and otherwise attracting 

 birds, and in'bringing together a large number of bird-lovers for mutual con- 

 sideration of birds and their needs. 



