I4<^ DuTCHER, Report of Coininittce on Bird Protection. \^^ 



Capt. L. F. Taylor, of Metomkin Inlet, says: "There has been 

 a normal increase in the Laughing Gulls and Willets, but for some 

 reason the Marsh Hens do not seem to be so numerous. The 

 increase in Big and Little Strikers (Terns) seems to be larger than 

 it was last season. Very few eggs have been taken in my local- 

 ity ; on only one occasion did I have to prevent egging by a 

 party of two. They desisted at once when I cautioned them." 



Capt. J. A. D. Savage, of Wachapreague Beach, says: "The 

 Marsh Hens have made some increase, but the other species, viz., 

 Black-headed Gulls, Flood Gulls, Willets, and Strikers have not 

 increased materially. This can be accounted for as follows : the 

 beach here is gradually washing away and getting lower, which 

 compels the beach breeding birds to move to other localities where 

 they can find higher beaches and where there is less danger from 

 storm tides. I believe that fewer eggs have been taken this 

 season than ever before, and I do not know of a single instance 

 when birds were killed. Those who made a business of killing 

 birds in former years have been forced to desist, knowing that 

 they are watched and will be brought to account if caught." 



Capt. J. W. Richardson, of Parramores Island, says: "It is 

 not unlawful to take eggs during a part of the breeding season and 

 many are taken each year : but I can see that since I have been 

 acting as warden there are many more birds now than formerly, 

 with the exception of the Willet and Marsh Hens, which are only 

 holding their own. This is owing to the fact that they are 

 slaughtered after the open season commences, which opens 

 nearly a month too early. The law should be changed." 



Capt. J. E. Johnson, of Hog Island, says : " Many eggs are taken 

 during the open season, but by reason of the protection given the 

 birds I can see that hundreds are raised each year ; it is espe- 

 cially noticeable in the Black-headed Gulls, Terns and Willets. 

 Marsh Hens do not seem to increase, owing, I think, to the high 

 tides that destroy many of them." 



Capt. J. R. Andrews, of Cobbs Island, says: "Large numbers 

 of the eggs of the Black-headed Gulls were taken during the open 

 season, also a few of the eggs of Terns and Skimmers. The men 

 who rake for clams give me the most trouble, as they live in boats 

 which are anchored very near the marshes where the gulls breed. 



