322 Bird - Lore 



and in time hope to secure the total abolishment of the killing of non-game 

 birds by all classes. 



"We have distributed thousands of warning notices printed on linen. 

 Our president has delivered many lectures on bird -life in different parts of 

 the state. We have 125 active, 10 life, and 6 associate members, and are 

 growing slowly but surely. 



"To protect adequately our own bird -breeding islands we are in sore 

 need of a power-boat. With one we could greatly increase the protection 

 given." 



Maine. — It was only a few years since that the bird -life of the coast of 

 Maine was in danger of total extermination; how different the conditions 

 are today can hardly be realized by a person who reads the following report : 

 To comprehend fully the splendid results of six years' protection by wardens, 

 a person should visit some of the colonies of Gulls and Terns that are being 

 guarded. It is an imposing sight to see the clouds of birds and their remark- 

 able tameness everywhere along the coast. 



The American Eider Duck has for a number of years been on the verge 

 of extermination as a breeding bird in the United States, and, to prevent this 

 unfortunate result, special attention has been given to this species. There 

 is only one island on the Maine coast where it is positively known to breed, 

 although a few pairs may breed elsewhere. The warden in charge was given 

 explicit directions to guard this island with the utmost care, and to prevent 

 the taking of the eggs after they were laid. It is with the greatest satisfac- 

 tion that the Association is able to quote the following from the warden's 

 report : "May 5, I2 Eider Ducks arrived at the island, which is in plain 

 sight of where I live, so I can watch it thoroughly. I saw at one time three 

 pairs of the Ducks after the young were hatched. There were 22 of the 

 young ones, and I believe that more were hatched that I did not see. I esti- 

 mate that 2,400 Gulls were raised on the islands in my charge. The birds 

 have had a good season." 



The Legislature of Maine should pass a law making the close season on 

 Ducks commence January i. If this is done the Eider will continue to breed 

 in that state in increasing numbers. The results of special protection on one 

 island this year shows what can be accomplished. 



Warden Cuskley, at Libby Island, reports : "About 2,000 Terns arrived 

 May 23, some 1,500 Gulls having come some time before." He estimates 

 that some i ,500 young Terns and i ,000 Gulls were raised. The Terns have 

 established another colony on a near-by island. 



Capt. O. B. Hall, warden in the vicinity of Crumple Island, gives a de- 

 tailed report of a very favorable season for the Gulls, Terns, Sea Pigeons and 

 Blue Herons in his charge. At least 1 000 Gulls and i ,500 Terns were raised. 

 He also reports the interesting fact that the Black Ducks which formerly 



