Reports of Field Agents 289 



Educational and legislative work occupied most of the time, until June, 

 when the investigation into the status and present needs of the wild-fowl and 

 shore-birds was begun with a view to representing the facts to the legislature 

 of Massachusetts at some future time. The haunts of these birds were visited 

 and much evidence was obtained from sportsmen, gunners and naturalists, regard- 

 ing the former abundance of the birds and their present depletion. This work 

 is still incomplete. In July, all the time that could be spared from correspondence 

 and educational work was given to an investigation of the condition of certain 

 Gulls, Terns, Herons, Sandpipers and Plover along the Massachusetts coast. 

 Seven trips were made to the remoter coasts and islands. The Gulls and Terns 

 were seen to be increasing under protection, with the possible exception of the 

 Least Terns, which are still very few in number and not favorably situated for 

 protection. The number of Common and Roseate Terns seen on these coasts 

 and islands may be estimated safely at between twenty-five thousand and thirty 

 thousand. Even the Laughing Gulls of Muskeget, which were nearly extermi- 

 nated at one time, now number fully a thousand (estimated), and their distri- 

 bution to other localities apparently is beginning. A few Herring Gulls now remian 

 for the summer. The Piping Plover seems to be nearing extermination. Only 

 one colony was seen and elsewhere only an occasional pair or two were met with. 

 A Massachusetts law allows the shooting of these birds in July and August, 

 when their young are still small, and thus far the legislature has refused to amend 

 this statute. The colony of Least Terns and Piping Plover at Katama Bay can 

 be saved only by keeping a warden there all summer and stopping all shooting. 

 It is hoped that this may be done another year. Upland Plover appear to be 

 increasing slightly under protection in two localities, but Killdeer Plover are 

 close to extermination in Massachusetts. The Night Herons seem to be now 

 holding their own. 



The work of organization has consisted in part of spasmodic attempts to 

 increase the numbers or efficiency of some of the state Societies. Some addition 

 was made to the membership of the Massachusetts Association through the 

 efforts of your agent, and a great deal of work was done to organize the members 

 of granges, women's clubs, and other organizations in behalf of bird protection. 

 A trip to Bar Harbor in August resulted in awakening some interest in bird 

 protection there, and securing some influential members of the summer colony 

 as members of the National Association. One lesson derived from the experience 

 of the year is found in the great and growing demand for educational work. 

 Your agent might have made arrangements to give at least 600 illustrated lec- 

 tures to farmers' organizations, schools, etc., had his time permitted. A first- 

 class lecturer on the utility of birds, the necessity for their protection, and the 

 means to this end is needed in every state, and his time would be fully occupied. 

 The demand for such work is tremendous and its results would be immediate. 

 During the legislative season another man is required in each state to organize 

 the forces of bird protection and lead them to victory. Such a man could devote 



