State Reports 91 



the Maine coast are in particularly favorable localities for effective pro- 

 tection. That most of the colonies are in fine condition, and are increas- 

 ing rapidly in size, is very clearly stated in an interesting report made by 

 Mr. A. H. Norton, after a personal inspection, his trip lasting from July 

 12 to August 16. A summary of Mr. Norton's report is appended. 



The Puffins at Matinicus Rock numbered six, a gain of two since 

 last year. 



Black Guillemots still maintain the full extent of their range in Maine. 



Herring Gulls show a general increase in number. While the birds are 

 found in considerable numbers as far west as Scarborough, No Mans Land 

 marks their western breeding limit on this coast. At no point are the birds 

 as abundant in the same area as at No Mans Land, which contains but 

 twelve acres. 



At the Duck Islands the conditions still continue to be excellent-. In 

 fact, nowhere is protection extended and conducted with more zeal and 

 better results than at Great Duck Island and No Mans Land. At Little 

 Duck the birds are rather less accustomed to the presence of man than at 

 Great Duck, and are a little wilder than the birds at the latter place. The 

 colony has increased extensively since protection became established. No 

 evidences of molestation were visible. 



Laughing Gulls have left Metinic Green Island this year and returned 

 to Western Egg Rock in Muscaugus Bay. This is a less desirable place 

 from our point of view, and it is to be hoped that they may return to the 

 island first named. The reason for this change is not entirely clear, as they 

 returned to Metinic Green Island in the spring. It is possible that the 

 erection of a small shed for the shelter of the three sheep pastured here, 

 near the resort of the Gulls, may have had the effect of changing their place. 



Common and Arctic Terns of Maine sometimes breed separately but 

 more often together, so that they may be conveniently treated under the 

 general term. Terns. On the whole, there has been a decided increase in 

 the numbers of these birds. 



No mortality was noted among them at any point, and it is said that 

 food seems to have been more abundant than it was last year. Mr. Ruth- 

 ven Deane, one of the directors of the National Association, while on the 

 Maine coast the past summer, visited the Tern colony in Saco Bay and con- 

 firms Mr. Norton's favorable report. He says, ''During July and August 

 large numbers of Terns were seen daily fishing in Saco Bay and off Scar- 

 boro Beach." 



Leach's Petrels, so far as observed, have not suffered molestation. The 

 introduction of dogs and cats on the islands where they breed, by 

 fishermen who camp or live there, is a practice that may be serious and 

 should be prohibited, as both of these animals are very destructive to 

 Petrels. 



