170 THE CONDOR Vol. XXIV 
and not over a hundred yards in width, so unattractive in its physical feat- 
ures, the writer, accompanied by Mr. W. A. Rounds and Mr. S. Welsh, spent 
the period between May 26 and June 2 inclusive, eight wonderful, unforgeta- 
ble, sweltering days and nights, surrounded by thousands of clamoring birds, 
studying and photographing. 
A number of papers have been published dealing with the birds of the 
general vicinity of Corpus Christi, and a few of these give casual mention to 
Bird Island. Of the older papers, those of Singley (1), Hancock (2) and 
Chapman (3) cover the general region, and the more recent paper of Pearson 
(4) lists a few of the species of birds found on the island. However, as far 
as the writer has been able to ascertain, nothing has been published dealing 
with this most interesting island as the focal point, and inasmuch as 68 species 
were identified on and about the island itself, it seems advisable to offer the 
list as it now stands. This paper is the third of a series of avifaunal studies 
undertaken by the writer (6 and 7), in various parts of the state of Texas. 
SKETCH /BIRD ISLAND,TEXAS. 
LEGEND 
== VEGETATION COOLOUISIANA HtZON 
—~-— JUNFLOWERS ttt REDDISH EGRET 
ete%s* LAUGHING GULLS @ © e GREAT- TAILED GRACKLE 
xXAX BROWN PLLIGANS ao00 MOUENING DOVE. 
aaa’ BLACK SKIMMERS 
Fig. 39. 
(Since this article was written, the writer has learned that the Bird Isl- 
ands are among six small islands just rented by the National Audubon Soci- 
ety for a period of fifty years. This places the vast number of breeding birds 
under much needed protection. Both the Audubon Society and the state of 
Texas are to be congratulated on this great step in conservation. ) 
A list of the birds found by the writer in the vicinity of Bird Island fol- 
lows. 
1. Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. Ten records are at hand, totalling 
sixteen individuals. Frequents the indentations of the shore-line, and nests in suita- 
ble (reedy) locations on the mainland. On May 30 one bird was found at daylight 
swimming about in the inland lagoon within the island. 
2. Larus delawarensis. Ring-billed Gull. A single specimen, evidently dead for 
a period of weeks. was found in the heart of the pelican rookery. Undoubtedly a mi- 
grant only. 
3. Larus argentatus. Herring Gull. Two circled over the island for nearly two 
hours on the morning of May 27. Their plumage was intermediate between the winter 
