124 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



mainly on the higher, more barren parts of the islands, where they suffer no harm from 

 man. At the close of nesting, in August, the old and young congregate on the beaches, 

 where they are shot in some numbers by the natives, being highly relished as food. 

 Considering that the bird has such a limited habitat and is of unusual interest from a 

 scientific point of view, it would seem wise to restrict somewhat its killing, especially 

 since no hardship to the natives would result. This subject is discussed at greater length 

 beyond. 



The Pacific Turnstone (Arenaria intcrprcs) occurs during the spring migration, and 

 in August and September when old and young are on their way to their wintering ground 

 on the Hawaiian Islands. While on the Pribilofs the birds spend most of their time on 

 the killing fields, where they feed on the larvae of flesh flies in the remains of the 

 slaughtered seals. They become very fat and are much prized as food by the natives, 

 but soon become wary and are not killed in any great numbers. 



CORMORANTS. 



Cormorants occur as breeders and winter residents on the islands. They are not 

 very abundant, but are easily obtained in winter when other birds are scarce, and are, 

 therefore, welcomed. They raise large broods and appear to have lew natural enemies 

 besides man, and seem to maintain their numbers. 



MEASURES FOR PROTECTION. 



The fact that the Pribilof Islands now constitute a national reservation insures the 

 continued preservation of the hordes of birds which annually go there to rear their 

 young. Ever since the first occupancy of the islands by man, the supply of birds has 

 been drawn upon to furnish large quantities of food for the people who have lived there. 



The fact alone that this drain has not resulted in the extirpation of a single species, 

 and as far as known has not caused the appreciable diminution of any, seems to allay 

 apprehension that any of the species are in danger from this cause. As a matter of fact 

 the birds are probably subjected to less persecution now than at any time since the islands 

 were first discovered. The habits of the natives have changed considerably in many 

 respects. They have contracted a liking for imported food, and with this the need and 

 desire for pursuing the birds has waned to a considerable degree. They do not now seek 

 the eggs of the birds to any such extent as formerly ; and they are losing their skill in 

 taking birds in nets, by means of which they formerly secured great numbers. The intro- 

 duction of firearms has, of course, offset this to some extent, but it is believed that 

 fewer birds are killed now than formerly. 



Although most of the species are still very abundant and none seem to be in actual 

 danger of extermination, one or two species should perhaps be accorded some measure 

 of protection. The one of most importance is the Pribilof Sandpiper. This species 

 breeds only on the Pribilofs and on St. Matthew Island. Apparently it goes no farther 

 away to winter than the Aleutians, and it has, therefore, a very limited distribution. 

 Its long-continued insular isolation under conditions which seem to be particularly favor- 

 able has apparently resulted in the development of a large and strikingly handsome 

 species, and it is verj' desirable that it be perpetuated. Apparently it has not suffered 

 appreciable diminution as yet, and the prospect of preserving it is therefore excellent. 

 The general interest in the bird because of its restricted habitat and comparative scarcity 



