248 On the trail of vanishing birds 



major causes of mortality. As remedies he suggests stronger pro- 

 tective measures, including a Federal law (also still lacking in the 

 case of the roseate spoonbill), strict closure of all nesting and 

 roosting areas, and a practical educational program. Also, the co- 

 operation of stockmen and trappers should be secured in leaving 

 unpoisoned carcasses on the range, and other means of controlling 

 squirrels than by the use of quick-acting poisons should be in- 

 vestigated and encouraged. 



Many of these recommendations have now been followed, par- 

 ticularly with regard to closures. Upwards of 60 condors survive. 



The roseate spoonbill has shown a remarkable response. In the 

 winter of 1954-1955 the Florida Bay population climbed to an 

 all-time high of 428 nesting adults. In 1935-1936 the comparable 

 number was only 30 nesting adults, so the nineteen-year increase 

 is definitely encouraging. On the Texas coast, improvements since 

 World War II have been steady, if less spectacular. While the 

 new knowledge of the life history and ecology of these birds, 

 secured during the course of our research studies, has been im- 

 portant in directing our efforts for its protection, we have accom- 

 plished a large share of these results through good public relations 

 in the critical areas. But we have only to look to the future to see 

 new difficulties arising. The shallow waters of eastern Florida Bay, 

 where these colonies are established on isolated mangrove keys, 

 are nontidal owing to the barrier of many shoals between them 

 and the open Gulf of Mexico. The spoonbills find some food in 

 the very shadows of their nests, in pools where corixids and killi- 

 fishes begin their life cycles in tremendous abundance. But for 

 the most part, and especially during the critical period when they 

 are feeding their growing young, the adult spoonbills must fly to 

 tidal sloughs close to the Atlantic side, where food supplies are 

 more abundant. With the rapid development and building pro- 

 gram now under way on the Florida Keys, some of these natural 

 feeding areas have already been destroyed turned into boat basins 

 and building lots by dredging and filling. If steps are not taken 

 soon to set aside a few essential tidal sloughs, from Key Largo to 

 the Matecumbes, it is a serious question whether the new resi- 

 dents and droves of tourists who come to this outdoor paradise 



