50 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



It was evident from the search which we were able to make, that at 

 least loo species of birds were nesting within lo miles of Mt Marcy. With the 

 addition of those species which were seen on one or two occasions and those 

 of which we learned from reliable sources, the ntimber is raised to 117, 

 and I have no doubt that this represents about the actual number of species 

 nesting in that region. Of the 100 species which we found nesting, 32 are 

 commonly regarded as belonging to the Canadian fauna, and the remainder 

 are species of general distribution in eastern North America, or of the 

 Alleghanian fauna. The typical Alleghanian species enter the valleys and 

 clearings as far as St Huberts, Elk lake, and Boreas camp. No Carolinian 

 species was found within 10 miles of Marcy, and no Hudsonian species 

 unless the Bickncll thrush. Ruby-crowned kinglet and Hudsonian chickadee 

 be regarded as belonging to that fauna. 



INCREASE AND DECREASE OF SPECIES 



It is the general testimony of authors that there has been a marked 

 diminution in the bird life of our State during the past century, and there 

 can be no doubt that this is true of the waterfowl, shore birds, and, in 

 general, of the larger species. At the same time, since our wild birds are 

 the property of the State and form a valuable public asset, it seems advis- 

 able to consider briefly the facts regarding their variation in abundance, 

 and the causes which affect bird life in general. 



When the State was first settled, waterfowl fairly swarmed on our bays, 

 rivers and lakes, and shore birds flocked by thousands every spring and fall 

 along Long Island and on the inland lakes. Wild turkeys. Ruffed grouse, 

 and Bobwhites were well distributed, although the turkey and "quail" 

 were never common in the northern districts. The larger hawks and 

 owls were abundant throughout the State, while herons and other marsh 

 birds occupied the swampy lakes and rivers. It is difficult to obtain reliable 

 information in regard to the abundance of small birds, like the warblers, 

 flvcatchers, sparrows and thrushes, but the writer believes they were 

 less abundant during colonial times than they are at present. This may 



