P.D. 123 17 



REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION 



OF ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1927 



Birds of Massachusetts 

 During the past year the second volume of the work on The Birds of 

 Massachusetts and Other New England States was finished, published 

 and delivered at the office of the Secretary of State on December 12, The 

 edition was 7,500, and over 4,000 copies were sold within the first month. 

 Work on the third volume also went on during the latter part of the year. 



Dissemination of Information 

 Besides this major work the issuance of the monthly bulletin on birds, 

 entitled, "Items of Interest," continued through the year. This bulletin 

 contains information regarding the distribution of birds in the State, as 

 well as their econom.ic status. Advice and information on all phases of 

 bird life, its economic value, identification of specimens, etc. have been 

 given by correspondence, telephone and personal interview. Much free 

 bird literature has been distributed, and many illustrated lectures given 

 by Dr. John B. May and Mrs. Alice B. Harrington. 



Publications 

 Two of the bulletins of the Division have been revised and reprinted: 

 No. 112, Bird Houses and Nesting Boxes, and No. 116, Food, Feeding and 

 Drinking Appliances and Nesting Material to Attract Birds. 



Correlated Activities 

 The Director has attended ornithological conferences, has been con- 

 sulted by various organizations, such as the Massachusetts Fish and Game 

 Association, the Federation of Bird Clubs of New England, the State 

 Grange, Audubon Societies and many other societies interested in the 

 conservation of wild life, has acted as New England Agent of the Na- 

 tional Association of Audubon Societies, and, under appointment by the 

 Secretary of Agriculture at Washington, served as a member of the Fed- 

 eral Advisory Board on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which revises 

 the regulations under which migratory birds receive Federal protection 

 throughout the United States. 



Heath Hen 



The numbers of the Heath Hen at last reports were very low, only a 

 few birds having been seen recently. Goshawks have come down again 

 from the North this fall and a number have been seen and some shot on 

 Marthas Vineyard. They probably have reduced the numbers of the 

 Heath Hen considerably. This species again appears to be on the verge 

 of extinction. 



Sanctuaries and Reservations 



The Director has served as Vice President of the Federation of Bird 

 Clubs, Inc., which last year acquired property in Sandwich, Ashby (a 

 second lot on Mount Watatic) and Boxford. These properties have been 

 made over to the State to be held as perpetual bird sanctuaries and reser- 

 vations. The Federation now is planning to purchase a large parcel of 

 land in Berkshire County for another reservation. 



E. H. FORBUSH, 



Director. 



