94 Bird - Lore 



It is a matter of common remark that the birds in this vicinity are 

 remarkably tame this season. They have been so faithfully defended 

 against their enemies, and so liberally supplied with food and with nest- 

 ing materials by their little friends who wear the Audubon button, that 

 it is not strange that the timid creatures should respond to these friendly 

 advance!. 



Reports from other branches are equally interesting. We have con- 

 tinued to distribute literature, pledge cards, buttons and certificates as 

 formerly. We have two bird-charts with descriptive matter to be loaned 

 to local secretaries, teachers or other bird-lovers upon application. 



Our society now numbers 1,261, of which 315 are members and 

 juniors, and 946 are associates. However, it is not a show of numbers 

 that we seek, but the education of the masses to the economic value 

 of birds. 



Michigan. — This is one of the few states that has not as yet adopted the 

 Model Law. One of the chief activities of the Audubon Society and other 

 public -spirited citizens should be to try to secure its passage at the session 

 of the legislature commencing in January, 1905. The large colony of 

 Herring Gulls breeding near the Passage Island Lighthouse, Lake Superior, 

 were protected by a paid warden, and they made a normal increase. Pro- 

 fessor Barrows, of the Agricultural College, reports that some small colonies 

 of Herring Gulls, Common Terns and Caspian Terns which occupy several 

 small islands and rocky ledges in the northern part of Lake Michigan were 

 very much disturbed and were robbed of their eggs. This was not discov- 

 ered until too late to take action this season, but attention will be given to 

 them during the coming breeding season. It is especially important that 

 the colony of Caspian Terns should be rigidly protected, as comparatively 

 few of them breed in the United States. 



Secretary Butler, of the Audubon Society, reports as follows: "Our 

 work has consisted mainly in distributing literature and in endeavoring to 

 organize branch societies. Some success was achieved in protection at 

 various points and the state was aroused for a time over the report of the 

 Fruit -Growers' Association recommending the next legislature to provide an 

 open season for Robins. A colony of Great Blue Herons was being rapidly 

 destroyed at Clarkson during the nesting season. The women of the 

 community said the wings made good dusters, and thus encouraged the 

 killing. The killing of Gulls and Terns for the milliners has been common 

 in Michigan, but this has been somewhat checked. 



"At Chesaning a man was killing Hummingbirds for the millinery trade. 

 On promising to give up the unlawful work, no further action was taken. 

 Complaints have come from several parts of the state, but no action could 

 be taken because the deputy game wardens refuse to act on information 



