Reports of Field Agents 



359 



two different parts of the island, we estimated there were 4,000 pairs of birds 

 breeding. Nesting was well completed, most of the nests containing the 

 usual three eggs. No young were seen. This species is increasing very fast, 

 and this is the cause, the warden thinks, of some of the other Herons leaving 

 the island. 



Glossy Ibis. — This species, because of its rarity, is the most interesting 

 ■of the birds of the vicinity. Six nests were found on Bird Island, and 

 three on Saw Grass Island, the latter being found by the warden after 

 ■our departure. At the time of our arrival, nesting had just begun, the nests 



WHITE IBIS, ORANGE LAKE, FLORIDA ROOKERY 

 Photographed by P. B. Philipp 



found having incomplete sets of eggs, this Ibis being the latest of the birds 

 on the island to nest. The Glossy Ibis is extremely hable to be broken up 

 by Fish Crows, four of the nests found by the writer being thus destroyed. 

 Fortunately, the birds again nested, and all, according to the warden, suc- 

 ceeded in raising broods of young. By next season, a fine colony should be 

 established. 



American Egret. — At the time of our visit there were 12 occupied nests of 

 this species on Bird Island, containing eggs. More birds than the 12 nests 

 would account for were seen, but, owing to the dense brush in which they were 

 nesting, it was very difficult to find all the nests. After we left, a large number 



