Bird lore - Project Puffin

Reports of Field Agents 427
REPORTS OF FIELD AGENTS
REPORT OF ARTHUR H. NORTON, FIELD AGENT
FOR MAINE
The work of this year has been that of attending to a rather wi'de range of
detail, such as answering questions by mail and otherwise on various subjects,
relating to birds, their protection, housing, feeding, providing nesting-quarters,
and so forth; distributing posters to the Association's wardens, and to owners
of private estates; and gathering information useful to the Association in
conducting its work in this region.
There has been no general session of the Legislature this year. As an effect
of an act passed in 191 5, moose have enjoyed two breeding-seasons and one
shooting-season without molestation. Frequent reports this fall indicate the
presence of these animals in sections where none have been seen for years,
indicating an extension of their recently restricted range, and probably an
increase in their numbers.
During the summer, the colony of Gulls at Ten Pound Island was visited.
While the birds had raised many young, and showed no signs of disturbance,
considerable mortality of young was evident. This probably was due to fre-
quent rains during the period when they were unable to fly. Their colony was
estimated to contain not less than 1,000 adult Gulls. The colony of
Terns at Matinicus Rock was found to be in its usual good condition, large
numbers of young being about to leave the island. At the Outer Green Island,
in Casco Bay, a colony of about 500 Terns had bred, without molestation.
Both here and at Matinicus Rock some mortality of the young was evident.
Attention may be called to the fact that another session of the State
Legislature will convene early in January, 19 17, requiring another period of
vigilance.
REPORT OF WINTHROP PACKARD, FIELD AGENT
FOR MASSACHUSETTS
During the past year, New England has responded heartily to the activi-
ties of your Massachusetts agent. He has been able to add 106 sustaining
members and 2;2, life members to the rolls of the society, fees and contributions
totaling $2,781.50, and the entire expense of the office being $2,289.99, which
leaves a balance on the right side of the ledger of $491.51.
More than 16,000 letters have been sent during the year to carefully selected
lists of New Englanders, urging them to aid the work of the society by personal
effort in the cause of bird-protection, and by becoming members. Many
persons have been reached through personal interviews, the office at 66 New-
bury St., Boston, being the headquarters for New Englanders in search of