8 Tit Ee AU Dit) Bi@t Ns Bal Jets letcel ami 
Mexico! and those northern species which reach their southern limit 
in the region of the Rio Grande. For these reasons there is an un- 
usual abundance of bird life in this area. 
It is to be regretted that the encroachments of civilization, with 
the fast clearing of mesquite and cactus and the cultivation of land, 
are affecting markedly the abundance of those birds which are to be 
found only in southern Texas and which make this plant association 
their habitat. The chachalaca can be mentioned in particular. Il 
know of no land in the Valley set aside for the benefit of wild life 
which is characteristic of chaparral and mesquite thickets. The hunt- 
ing situation, as in other sections of the country, is deplorable. South- 
ern Texas is advertised widely for its abundant (but fast-decreasing ) 
game. Those who have lived in the region for a decade or so cite the 
example of the white-winged dove, which has decreased in numbers 
very noticeably. Compared to the annual kill, present wild-life pro- 
tection is not appreciable. Other sections of the country are publi- 
cized for their variety and abundance of bird-life by conservationists 
who would aim to preserve that variety and abundance. Why cannot 
this region enjoy more of such fame among others besides hunters 
and collectors? 
The following annotated list is composed of species observed on 
June 8th and 9th at Laredo (Webb County), on June 10th and 11th at 
Mission (Hidalgo County), and the following week spent in the region 
south of Harlingen and LaFeria, on trips to Olmito, Boca Chica, the 
coastal prairies and lagoons between the Point Isabel Road and the 
Boca Chica Road, in the direction of Horsehead Island beyond Rio 
Hondo, and to Green Island in the Laguna Madre (Cameron County). 
All of these localities are in the Lower Austral (Sonoran) zone, modi- 
fied by the semi-tropical strip bordering the Gulf of Mexico and the 
tropical arm reaching up from the lower coastal region of Tamaulipas. 
Comments on the status of species are exclusive of observations made 
about Laredo; this seemed advisable in view of the distance to the 
north from the delta region and the topography of the land, which 
sets it apart from the lower Valley. In every case, observations made 
in the region about Laredo are specifically referred thereto. 
This visit having been of necessity short, my purpose was noth- 
ing more than to see as many species as possible within the limited 
time. In this direction, I was aided immeasurably by the guidance 
of Mr. Arthur T. Hale of Mission and Mr. L. Irby Davis of Harlingen, 
to whom I am indebted for their kindnesses. Obviously, with their 
assistance, particularly that of Mr. Davis, the leading ornithologist 
of the region, I was able to observe species for which alone I might 
have searched days or even weeks. I am further indebted to Dr. 
H. C. Oberholser for information and assistance provided in connec- 
tion with subspecies. 
‘Of particular interest is Mr. L. Irby Davis’s location of wintering 
grounds of the Black-throated Green and Wilson’s Warblers. Wilson Bulle- 
tin» VOlL746;,1934) p, 22371 vol 4741935. 0.2 ue 
