Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. “a Released, Saturday, ‘ tft : NO ee TED “TT REPORT OF CHIEF OF BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL, SURVEY * $ ~~ Unirep Srates Derarrment or AGRICULTURE, Bureau or BrotogicaL SurRvEY, Washington, D. C., August 27, 1927. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report on the work of the Bureau of Biological Survey for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1927. Respectfully, Hon. W. M. Jarvrnz, Secretary of Agriculture. PROBLEMS IN WILD-LIFE ADMINISTRA- TION The wild life of the country is a heritage that was vital to the welfare of the early settlers, and its perpetua- tion means much, both economically and esthetically, to the present and future generations of their descend- ants. Any lover of birds and animals knows full well that these wild crea- tures clearly appreciate the difference between kind and cruel treatment. Unfortunately, however, they do not have the ability to argue their cause before the bar of public opinion. For- ward-thinking individuals, recognizing this fact, have designated certain public defenders, whose duty it is to represent these creatures of the wild in all cases where their rights are in question. These defenders fall into three general groups: (1) Organiza- tions of individuals interested in the welfare of wild life; (2) State govern- mental organizations; and (38) the Bureau of Biological Survey, cooperat- ing with other interested Federal agencies and all other wild-life de- fenders. FUNCTIONS OF WILD-LIFE DEFENDERS _ The activities of individual and or- ganized wild-life conservationists are _ 1his report covers parts of two adminis- trations of the Bureau of Biological Survey. On May 9, 1927, E. W. Nelson, who had directed the work for more than 10 years, was relieved of administrative responsi- bilities in order that he might complete important scientific studies and reports of explorations on which he had been pre- viously engaged. 4 64240—27——-1 Paut G. Reprneron, Chief. concerned chiefly with the gathering of facts affecting the groups of wild life in which they are interested, the formulation of educational programs, and the supporting of governmental agencies designated as wild-life de- fenders. Closely cooperating in the solution of problems confronting goy- ernmental agencies, State and nation- al, are many scientific societies and institutions, agricultural organiza- tions, and sportsmen’s clubs, and many influential national, international, and State conservation associations whose prime object is to preserve for future generations our valuable resources of wild life. The efforts of each in its own field are encouraged by the Bio- logical Survey, since it is recognized that forward movements, whether by large or small units, are nearer ap- proaches to the coordinated nation- wide policy that is desired by all who have the interests of wild life at heart and the same ends in view. The agencies designated by State law as defenders of wild life, sup- ported by such organizations, prescribe the manner in which those birds and animals shall be protected, utilized, or controlled. The States are pri- marily responsible for those forms, in- eluding fur animals, that make the year-round stay in the same locality, and enact laws for their protection. Many States have extensive wild-life sanctuaries, and a number have estab- lished experiment stations for the prop- agation of game birds. Federal agencies serving as wild-life defenders operate in much the same manner as do State agencies, and in cooperation with them, but obviously 1 yy ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE over a much broader field, since they have as their peculiar wards the forms that migrate between the States and across international boundaries, par- ticularly the valuable wild fowl and. the birds that prey upon the insect pests of the farmers’ crops. The Bio- logical Survey is directly accountable for the protection of migratory birds and for the administration of wild life on the Federal reservations under its jurisdiction. This function includes regulatory, policing, and control ac- tivities. When called upon, it also serves as counselor for other Federal agencies, State governments, and con- servation organizations on matters pertaining to wild-life administration. The program of the bureau includes wild-life research and administration, with reasonable control and regulation where necessary. In control and reg- ulation, whenever uncertainty exists it is the policy to give wild life the benefit of the doubt. The bureau is able to assist materially in coordinat- ing wild-life plans, by reason of the storehouse of information that it has built up and to which it is continually adding through field and laboratory investigations of the life histories, characteristics, and needs of the many forms of our native fauna. It is only by such coordination ‘and by concerted action that the various groups of wild- life defenders will be able to attain their common objective. As a public- service institution, the Bureau of Bio- logical Survey seeks to be a good neighbor not only to other Federal agencies and to States that are work- ing for the same ends but also to the people of sections within the natural habitat of our valuable and interest- ing forms of wild life. THE COMMON OBJECTIVE There is no sharp line of demarca- tion between the activities of the three groups of wild-life defenders, aS a spirit of partnership in a common cause is very generally apparent, each recognizing that its own plans are best forwarded by the constructive accom- plishments of the others, and that no program of wild-life administration proposed by one can be carried out successfully without the generous Co- operation of the other two. Any effective administrative plan for handling the wild-life resources of the country, no matter by whom rec- ommended or how well supported, must be worked out and applied while there remain not only sufficient representa- r tives of the various species that are to be perpettiated but also areas of adequate size and character to sup- port them in reasonable numbers. And in all cases it must be determined what is meant by ‘reasonable num- bers,” for wild-life guardians must frequently face the disagreeable fact that where nature does not curb undue increases of her creatures, the hand of man must do so. From an economic viewpoint most birds and mammals become either beneficial to humankind or harmful to man and his works. There are rene- gades among animals and birds as well as among men. Control meas- ures are especially necessary when the food supply on the available areas will support useful and harmless ani- mals and birds in only limited num- bers, or when predatory or otherwise injurious forms interfere with the operations of man or threaten the continued existence of more desirable forms of wild life on the suitable areas still remaining for their occupancy. RESEARCH FUNDAMENTAL TO ADMIN- ISTRATION The cause of the wild birds and mammals can not be properly de- fended without a knowledge of their habits and life histories and of what the States and other units are doing for their perpetuation. Intensive re- search, such as has been undertaken for more than four decades by the bu- reau, is fundamental to administration and should be continued by careful experimentation. Not only must surveys and counts be undertaken in places where wild life is now found, but other areas ap- parently favorable for supporting game and other animals must be studied. Basic facts regarding wild life must be disseminated for use by educational institutions and conservation agencies as well as by those engaged in the control of harmful animals. Research studies will develop an effective ad- ministrative plan for each type of game or other species of bird or mam- mal, in building up impoverished stock to optimum numbers, in curbing undue increase, and in controlling objection- able forms when this is necessary. Hxperiment stations have been the cheapest and most effective means of determining the best crop-production methods in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, and the results in these fields point to success in lke methods of research in wild-life administration. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 3 Already four field stations have been established by the Bureau of Biological Survey—a fur-animal experiment sta- tion in Saratoga County, N. Y., a sta- tion for cooperative quail investigations in southern Georgia and Florida, a rein- deer experiment station near Fairbanks, Alaska, and an _ eradication-methods laboratory in connection with pest con- trol at Denver, Colo. At the close of the year plans were practically com- pleted for operating an experiment sta- tion in California to study the prob- lems confronting the rabbit-growing industry. Through the cooperation of the Forest Serv:.ce, field biologists also have made quantitative studies of the effects of rodents on forage production and reforestation, The chief problem of the bureau is to obtain facts on which to base plans for wild-life administration. Un- til it has the necessary resources to gather these facts its work can not progress to that point where it can be of maximum benefit to the birds and game and fur animals of the country, or of greatest assistance to the gen- eral public or to governmental agencies having jurisdiction over areas essen- tial to the maintenance of wild life, or that are confronted with the problem of controlling excessive numbers of either harmful or beneficial forms. An increased series of refuges for birds and of preserves for big-game and other mammals will become in- valuable field experiment stations for studying the needs of our birds and mammals, including habitat, food, and cover. These can furnish basic infor- mation for the efficient administration of such mammals and birds as may be maintained on Federal or State re- fuges, parks, or forests, or elsewhere. Opportunity to pursue research studies on refuges would unquestionably solve many perplexing problems of effective wild-life administration. There is a close relationship in these field studies of wild life between field men of the survey and foresters and naturalists of the States and of the Federal Forest Service and the Na- tional Park Service. Field biologists can be assigned to parks and forests when studying the forms of life that make these places their natural hab- itat. The opportunity to use these natural outdoor laboratories as experi- ment. stations is not being overlooked pending the time when it may become possible to increase the number of Federal wild-life experiment stations. Without a knowledge of the facts, there can be neither efficient administration nor intelligent regulation of wild life. The bureau desires exceedingly to meet its public obligations in wild-life admin- istration. Its research activities are coordinated with a view to furthering the work of its whole organization, and its program has been carried out during the past year so far as its re- sources have permitted. WILD-LIFE RESEARCH GAME BIRDS To maintain the nation’s game birds in the face of an ever-increasing army of hunters and of a constant exten- sion of industrial operations is a difficult undertaking. It has already engaged the earnest attention of game administrators, and progress has been made along several contributory lines, but not enough has been done to place he movement on a firm basis. Space in which the birds may live must be assured, their food supply safeguarded and inereased, sufficient refuges es- tablished, propagation measures uti- lized, and adequate protection afforded. FOOD RESOURCES OF WILD FOWL Under a nation-wide survey of the food resources of wild fowl, started by the bureau some years ago, work has already been completed in Mon- tana, North Dakota, Missouri, and northern Michigan, and in the sand- hill region of Nebraska, and on this last-named area a report has been published. Another season’s field work will practically finish the work in Minnesota. Material progress was made on a survey of the aquatic plant resources of the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge in the summer of 1926, and work for the following year was started in June, 1927, with the expectation that a good general idea of the duck foods of this refuge will be gained before the close of the season. In the past fiscal year study also was made of the wild-fowl food plants of a portion of the Okefinokee Swamp, in Georgia, and a brief inspection was made of conditions affecting the growth of aquatie plants in the Currituck Sound section of Virginia and North Carolina. Looking to the future of this project, a line of work that has been carried on since 1905, it will probably be essential to establish one or more experiment stations for the study of factors affecting the growth and general welfare of the plants upon 4 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE which wild fowl feed. When funds permit, the actual planting of waters on Federal reservations to improve them as feeding places for birds would: be desirable. UNWISE MARSHLAND DRAINAGE OPPOSED Special efforts have been continued with a view to emphasizing the need of considering contemplated drainage projects, in order to prevent needless destruction of breeding, feeding, and resting places for wild life. Drainage and the reduction of water areas, cou- pled with disease among the water- fowl of the West, have had a disas- trous effect upon these birds. Plans to afford relief for the bad situation in the Bear River marshes, Utah, un- fortunately failed of consummation in the last Congress. MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGES By treaty with Great Britain the United States is pledged to give ade- quate protection to the useful species of birds that migrate between. the United States and Canada. Much has been accomplished toward this through the application of principles developed through study of the needs of the birds, but the results thus far concern chiefly length of hunting seasons, bag limits, and methods of capture, all re- lating to the fall game harvest. Not enough has been done, however, to in- sure the perpetuation of breeding stocks through providing them requi- site nesting, feeding, and resting areas. Canada is fulfilling her obligations un- der the treaty by the creation of a comprehensive system of refuges for wild fowl, while this country is lag- ging behind, though an international resource is endangered. A measure has been pending in Congress for several sessions, under the terms of which a system of refuges would be provided at important con- centration points of wild fowl in this country. This measure has failed of enactment partly through the fact that various interested agencies were not in agreement on some of its provisions. Practically all elements of the country now appear to be united behind the demand that the Federal Government shall do its share in the establishment of refuges for migratory birds. Without resting, feeding, and nest- ing places for the birds, legal restric- tions on killing will ultimately be of little avail. If these facilities are pro- vided, however, it may even be possible in future years to lessen stringent reg- ulations that for the preSent are es- sential to the very existence of our birds. The provision of migratory- bird refuges, with sufficient flexibility for adequate administration, would work mightily toward the salvation of the wild fowl of North America. WATERFOWL CENSUS PLANS To aid in the administration of the migratory bird treaty act and its regu- lations, plans were matured near the close of the fiscal year for obtaining more definite information regarding the numbers, distribution, and migra- tions of waterfowl in the United States, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. The matter was discussed with representa- tives of many cooperative agencies, who seemed very favorable to the idea, and it was decided to undertake a series of monthly censuses so far as practicable throughout the continent. In working out the details a most gen- erous response was received from State game departments and from many Fed- eral agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclama- tion, the Office of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Education, of the De- partment of the Interior; the Bureau of Fisheries and the Bureau of Light- houses, of the Department of Com- merce ; the Coast Guard, of the Treas- ury Department; and the Weather Bu- reau, the Forest Service, and the Ex- tension Service, of the Department of Agriculture; as well as from the Izaak Walton League of America, the Amer- ican Game Protective Association, the National Association of Audubon So- cieties, and many other organizations and individuals interested in the wel- fare of North American wild fowl. This is an interesting example of co- operation in scientific investigations undertaken under governmental lead- ership. The work is being directed by the Survey with no increase of personnel or of funds, so that the voluntary Services of interested observers must be largely depended upon to carry the project forward. Although this is crowding the general program in bio- logical investigations, the need for the information sought is so great that it is deemed advisable to go ahead even at the sacrifice of other important work. Every effort is being made to establish this on a stable basis until resources can be provided to allow for the prosecution of the work on a more adequate scale. BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 5 Voluntary observation stations are being established where waterfowl concentrate for breeding, feeding, or resting. Instructions have been sent to all cooperators, and special dates set for each monthly census. All co- operators will make a simultaneous count of the waterfowl present in the locality assigned to them. This proj- ect will be a continuing one. Its ex- pected result will be the establishment of comparative figures on increase or searcity of birds in the various re- gions, to serve as a basis for future safeguarding measures. WILD FOWL IN WESTERN STATES Realizing the need for taking im- mediate steps to improve marshlands in the Western States, some of which, because of a scarcity of fresh water, have become death traps to large num- bers of ducks, geese, and other birds, western Sportsmen have raised a fund and have made it available to the department for conducting necessary surveys and_ studies. This fund totaled $5,684.85 on June 30, and will be increased during the next year. It has already enabled the Bureau of Biological Survey to enter into co- operative arrangements with the Bu- reau of Public Roads whereby engi- heering studies will be made at the Bear River marshes in Utah, at Mal- heur Lake in Oregon, and at Lower Klamath Lake in northern California and southern Oregon. The need of dike construction has been urged in the interest of the birds in these local- ities. As a result of the surveys con- ducted, not only engineering details but other pertinent information will be made available on which to base constructive legislation or other action required. The movement, which started in California and has extended to other Western States, typifies the more en- lightened attitude of sportsmen to- ward the needs of game, and with such cooperation some of the problems confronting the bureau will be readily solved. The great mortality among wild fowl in Western States is to receive renewed and intensified study during the summer of 1927. Although alkali poisoning has been found to be the cause of mortality at Great Salt Lake, Utah, there is the possibility that elsewhere in the area mentioned other factors may be involved. PROPAGATION OF GAME BIRDS Game farms in Ohio and Ontario were visited during the year, and a Farmers’ Bulletin on propagation of game birds, covering both aquatic and upland game, was published. Investi- gations also were made by a biologist of the status of the propagation in various Huropean countries of North American and other migratory water- fowl, with particular reference to the relative adaptability of the different species to propagation. These _ re- sulted in the collection of data that will have a bearing on the issuance of propagating permits in this country, and also upon decisions as to suitable seasons and bag limits. INVESTIGATIONS OF INTRODUCED BIRDS Cooperative experiments have been conducted fer several years in accli- matizing tropical game birds, as men- tioned in former annual reports. These birds include the chachalacas, curas- sows, Ocellated ‘turkeys, and tinamous, introduced on Sapelo Island, Ga. The chachalacas have spread to the closely adjoining Blackbeard Island, a Fed- eral bird reservation, where they ap- pear to be well established and in- creasing. A few adult curassows brought in are thriving, but have as yet produced no young. Experiments with the other birds introduced have been less favorable. The Biological Survey has on hand an extensive manuscript covering the history of introduced and transplanted birds in the United States, and a brief one on game birds suitable for intro- duction, which it hopes to publish soon. Establishment of an experiment and introduction station is vitally neces- sary to solve problems of game-bird introduction, and when funds permit to carry out to the full the terms of the Lacey Act that provide for “the preservation, distribution. introduc- tion, and restoration of game birds and other wild animals.” COOPERATIVE QUAIL INVESTIGATIONS The quail investigation in southern Georgia and northern Florida, which is being conducted by the biological survey in cooperation with a commit- tee of sportsmen for the purpose of learning the best methods of maintain- ing the abundance of these birds, is now’in its fourth year and satisfactory progress has been reported. Methods 6 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE recommended for quail preserves in- clude the raising of suitable quail- food plants, the control of fire, and. the suppression of predatory birds, mammals, and reptiles. Adverse con- ditions have been experienced during the year, including more than ordinary drought, heat-addling of eggs, and con- sumption by ants of hatching birds. On the other hand, the breeding season was favorable on the whole, and the local supply of quail was increased partly by the application of the find- ings of the investigators and partly through increased importations of quail from Mexico. Inspections were made of preserves in adjacent States, and correspondence conducted with preserve owners at greater distances, as a corollary to the studies at the headquarters of the in- vestigation. Cooperation has been given by the Bureaus of Animal In- dustry and Entomology in studying dis- eased and parasitized specimens and by the Bureau of Plant Industry in germination studies of various quail- food plantings. Additional study ma- terial was obtained in the form of stomachs of quail, the contents of which were analyzed, and the banding of propagated, trapped, and introduced birds was continued and data on re- turns from previous bandings as- sembled. The information obtained has been made available to preserve owners and sportsmen generally through the pub- lication and wide distribution during the year of an extensive progress report. BIG-GAME INVESTIGATIONS In accordance with a_ resolution adopted by the American National Livestock Association at its last an- nual meeting and with the recom- mendations of the commission on the conservation of the Jackson Hole elk, the members of which were appointed by the chairman of the President’s ecminittee on outdoor recreation, plans haye been completed for making com- prehensive studies of big-game ani- mals, the first of which will be con- cerned with elk in Wyoming. The purpose is to obtain essential infor- mation for the management and pro- tection of big game under wild condi- tions in forests, on the open range, and on reservations. Studies will be made of factors that govern their dis- tribution and migrations, as well as their food and its availability and of the cause of fluctuations in the num- bers of the animals and their relation to livestock production and other in- terests of the communities. BIG GAME ON FORESTS AND PARKS Investigations of conditions affect- ing big game on national forests have been continued on a limited scale. A brief study of the elk peculiar to the Olympic National Forest in the State of Washington indicated that although there has been no legal killing of these animals for 20 years their increase is very slow and unsatisfactory, but the eauses remain to be determined, The mule deer of the Kaibab Pla- teau in Arizona present a problem that has been studied in cooperation with the Forest Service and the National Park Service since 1922. Summer and winter examinations show that although numbers of the deer have died of starvation, many of those seen being much emaciated, there are still more animals than the available for- age will properly support, and both deer and forage on much of the area were found in deplorable condition. Legal complications affecting jurisdic- tion over the deer have tended to pre- vent the taking of effective relief measures, but it is hoped that condi- tions will be improved under a recent Federal court decision by which the authority of the Forest Service is recognized to kill deer when necessary to protect the forest. The Kaibab deer problem is an out- standing example of the vital need for restricting big game to numbers pro- portionate to the food supply. Where, as on the Kaibab Plateau, this has not been done, the forage plants are killed or severely injured, and a correspond- ingly smaller number of animals can be maintained permanently. On the Kaibab area the destruction of forage on a large scale has resulted, the deer in their extremity at certain seasons even browsing and killing the young yellow pine and other forest trees. The forest reproduction is thus wiped out and the deer are subjected to un- told misery. The fact that sufficient suitable range and forage, summer and winter, is of vital importance to big game is brought to attention in an im- pressive way by the Kaibab deer situa- tion. The seeming paradox that in some areas game may have ovyerpro- tection is also emphasized. RESTOCKING EXPERIMENTS Reservations of this and other goy- ernmental agencies serve to maintain BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 7 various wild animals that have been reduced greatly in numbers or threat- ened with extermination. When there are surplus numbers to be disposed of, these reservations serve as reservoirs for restocking other suitable areas. Surplus buffalo and elk have been dis- posed of in this way for several years. The increase to 67 of the 12 mountain sheep, placed on the National Bison Range, Mont., in 1922, furnishes a striking example of what may be ex- pected where these splendid game ani- mals are accorded proper protection. Some of these will be moved to other reservations, and within a few years a considerable surplus should be avail- able for restocking many rugged areas from which mountain sheep have long since disappeared. Experiments in the propagation of antelope are in progress. On the Wind Cave Game Preserve these attractive big-game animals are _ increasing. Seven fawns captured in the spring of 1927, through cooperation with the State game department of South Da- kota, are thriving at Sullys Hill Na- tional Game Preserve, N. Dak. In administering big-game reserva- tions there is in many places the se- rious problem of the coyote to contend with. Where there are breeding places of these and other predatory animals in the vicinity, valuable game is men- aced constantly. Occasional inroads of predatory animals within reservations of the Biological Survey have demon- strated how essential it is that these destroyers be eradicated where game is to be protected. The failure of game to increase or even to maintain itself in satisfactory numbers may in many places be directly traceable to the presence of predatory animals, and this emphasizes the necessity for con- trol measures. With funds contributed by E. E. Brownell and the Permanent Wild Life Protection Fund, the bureau has been enabled to make experimental intro- duction of antelope on the broad ter- races bordering the inner gorge in Grand Canyon, Ariz., and the results are being followed with interest. Eleven young antelope were placed there in 1924. There have been some losses from various causes. The ante- lope are now divided into two little groups, one of nine animals near Her- mit Creek camp and the other of five at the Indian Gardens. Four of these are young born last spring. It is be- lieved that there is sufficient forage for several small bands of antelope and that these will thrive and constitute a notable attraction for the large num- bers of visitors to the Grand Canyon. The Arizona State game department, after consultation with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Biological Survey, placed 23 elk on the Blue Range State Game Refuge, in the Apache National Forest in March. The refuge is in high mountain coun- try formerly inhabited by native elk that became extinct in 1898. Preliminary steps have been taken to stock the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge with game and fur animals. One hundred and forty-two ducks of three species and two pairs of Canada geese also have been obtained and placed on Lake Winona, where they will be cared for by the city of Winona, with the expec- tation that they will not only attract many other wild fowl to this lake dur- ing migration but will serve also aS a brood flock. BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND LIFE- HISTORY STUDIES STATE SURVEYS Biological surveys made during the year have produced information essen- tial to the completion of final reports on some of the State and other major units. These, together with studies of the life histories of our native fauna, are designed to provide basic scien- tific data regarding wild birds and mammals and the natural life zones of the continent. Investigations of the natural distribution of these forms are coupled with related studies of the distribution of native plant life. Reports on this phase of biological research during the year included one on the mammals of Mount Rainier Na- tional Park prepared by a field nat- uralist of the Bureau of Biological Survey in cooperation with a former zoologist of the State College of Wash- ington, and published by the National Park Service; and one number (No. 49) of the North American fauna se- ries of the Biological Survey, on the mammals and life zones of North Da- kota. Reports on the mammals and life zones of Oregon and on the birds of Washington are nearing completion, a report on the birds of Florida is well under way, and a manuscript on the birds of New Mexico is being revised for publication under State auspices. Progress has also been made toward the completion of a biological survey of Wisconsin. Limited work was done on the hab- its, numbers, and ranges of game 8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE birds and big-game animals in Alaska, continuing biological investigations that have for Several years been in progress in the Aleutian Islands Bird. Reservation and other parts of the Territory. Progress was made toward the publication of a booklet in the nature of a wild-life guide to south- ern Alaska, to acquaint travelers and others with the wealth of the wild- life resources of the Territory. IDENTIFICATIONS AND TAXONOMIC WORK Arrangements are made for accurate identification of Species involved in wild-life investigations or of interest to correspondents. Data from field reports and from published literature regarding the occurrence, habits, and distribution of birds, mammals, rep- tiles, and amphibians are assembled in card-index files, on maps, and in other convenient form. As a result the bureau acts as a clearing-house of information for the benefit of ad- ministrators, educators, and writers in this country and abroad. A report in the North American fauna series (No. 48) on the genus Phenacomys, a group of voles, was published, and at the end of the year a similar report on lemmings of the genus Synaptomys was in press (No. 50 of the same Series). MIGRATORY AND OTHER HABITS OF BIRDS Progress has been made during the year in determining the movements of migratory birds and the general dis- tribution and breeding habits of species occurring in the United States, through field studies by representatives of the survey and by extended cooperation en- listed throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico from organiza- tions and individuals interested in bird life. Reports as to the local oc- currence and movements of birds com- ing from points throughout the entire country are particularly valuable as supplementing similar reports that have been submitted from many of the same localities over a long period of years. Progress also was made in the cen- suses of nesting birds. This work was started in 1914 and is yielding useful information regarding the abundance of breeding birds on different types of land and the fluctuations in their num- bers due to seasonal or other natural causes, or to changed environments or State laws. A circular (No. 261) on the purposes of bird censuses and how to take them was revised and issued during the year. Bird banding.—There has been a steady increase in the number of bird- banding cooperators working under Federal and State permits, in the num- ber of birds banded, and in the return records of birds banded during this and preceding years. There are now 1,296 bird-banding cooperators, includ- ing 91 in Canada. Most of the bird banding is done by volunteer coopera- tors, but some by representatives of the bureau, including work during the year in the Yukon Territory and ad- jacent parts of Alaska. A visit to the Bear River marshes in Utah, one of the most important concentration and breeding grounds of waterfowl in the country, resulted in banding about 1,000 ducks of several species, and im- portant information has been obtained regarding the later travels to 13 States of ducks banded in this region. The total number of birds reported as banded during the fiscal year was 91,848. This is an increase of 22,000 over the previous year and brings the total banded since 1920 to about 300,- 000. As the number of banded birds becomes greater, the number and sig- nificance of the returns are materially increased. Return records for the year numbered 4,445, an increase of 33 per cent over the previous year, and are concerned chiefly with game spe- cies. There is a marked increase, how- ever, in the number of records of small nongame birds, species that are of great interest to agriculturists and the bird-loving public. A technical bulletin entitled “ Re- turns from Banded Birds, 1923-1926,” coutaining more than 10,000 records received during that period, was com- pleted for publication. Progress also has been made in the preparation of a manual for volunteer cooperators, giving working details of bird-banding | station operation, and de- | methods, vices employed. FOOD HABITS RESEARCH Laboratory examination was made | during the year of 1,675 stomachs and 3838 pellets of birds, the food found | bird houses, 79 and 194 of in a number of stomachs of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Of birds’ stomachs examined, those of red-winged blackbirds, ruffed grouse, and various fish-eating birds and shore birds predominated, and among the mammals examined were many seals from the west coast. the © BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 9 Examinations also were made of bird-stomach material submitted by institutions and persons interested in the food habits of birds in 13 States. More than 360 of the stomachs were of ruffed grouse, the Bureau of Bio- logical Survey cooperating with the grouse investigation committee of the National Game Conference, which is studying the causes of decrease in the numbers of this bird. Many of the bird pellets examined were of marsh hawks, studied in their’ relation to quail in southern Georgia. Maintaining and adding to the ex- tensive files of information on the food of birds, mammals, reptiles, and am- phibians and increasing the collections of insects, other invertebrates, skele- tons, and seeds formed a regular fea- ture of the food habits research. ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY LOCAL STUDIES OF INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL BIRDS Blackbirds in Louisiana,—Examina- tion of more than 1,300 stomachs of red-winged blackbirds and jackdaws collected in the rice-growing section of southwestern Louisiana is nearly fin- ished. Information gained from this examination and field work carried out in 1925 and 1926 will furnish the subject matter of a detailed report on the economie relation of blackbirds to the rice crop in Louisiana, the man- uscript of which is nearly complete. This study treats not only of the eco- nomic status of the birds involved but also of the feasibility of control measures in areas where damage is severe. Bobolinks and blackbirds in North Carolina.—One of the few remaining rice fields in North Carolina was the scene of experimental work directed toward the reduction of the damage inflicted annually by migrating flocks of bobolinks and resident colonies of red-winged blackbirds. In this region bobolinks have long been a_ serious menace to the rice crop in the “ milk” stage, necessitating the expensive and discouraging practice of bird minding. In the course of this work automatic firing devices that are at times useful in the protection of small areas were found ineffective. It was ascertained hat the cost and labor of patrolling the fields with firearms could be lessened materially, however, by using a small-caliber rifle in place of the customary shotgun, and that large areas can be kept free of birds by firing from a single shooting stand. 64240—27. 2 By this means the cost of ammunition was reduced to about a fifth and labor to about one-fourth. Both red-winged blackbirds and bobolinks respond more readily to the frightening effect of the rifle ball than to shot, and the work of bird minding is thus made easier. ‘Hawks and other so-called ‘“ ver- min.”—Depletion of upland game birds has directed the attention of sports- men and conservationists to the fac- tors that may have contributed to this reduction. Naturally birds of prey have been blamed, and campaigns for their destruction have been carried out in many localities. On the other hand, the value of these birds as de- stroyers of rodent and even insect pests long has been recognized, and on this ground their conservation is urged by many students of ornithology. Ef- forts are being made to obtain a large series of stomachs of the birds killed in vermin campaigns. These will be examined and used as the basis for a thorough study of the economic value, under present conditions, of hawks and owls. BIRD ENEMIES OF INSECT PESTS Increasing their numbers.—The co- operative study of the relation of birds to nut weevils, carried out in conjune- tion with the Bureau of Plant Indus- try, disclosed a readiness on the part of the birds to inhabit man-made nest: ing facilities, making possible a de- cided increase in their numbers in the experimental area. It is too soon, however, to note the effect of an in- erease in bird life on the prevalence of nut weevils.” Revision of two Far- mers’ Bulletins on methods of attract- ing birds in different sections of the United States, containing lists of food plants for these sections, were issued during the year. Four available bul- letins on this subject cover by sections the greater part of the United States. Enemies of the celery-leaf tyer.—In the vicinity of Sanford, Fla., where about a third of the celery crop of this country is produced, the control of the leaf tyer is an outstanding problem. At the request of the State plant board an investigator was sent to Florida and spent a month in the infested section to determine the ex- tent of the beneficial work of birds in the control of this pest. The results of the study showed that at least four species of birds, the palm warbler, the tree swallow, the red-winged blackbird, and the meadow lark, played an im- portant part in the control of the leaf 10 tyer. found feeding on the larve, obtaining about three-fourths of their food from this source, and flocks of tree swallows habitually followed the dusting ma- chines, driven out by the dust. As much as 98 per cent of the stomach contents of some of the tree swallows was com- posed of the moths. RELATED WORK IN EUROPE In the course of a mission to Europe a biologist of the survey established contacts with organizations supporting the study of economic ornithology in France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Hun- gary, and Great Britain. Methods were discussed and the basis laid for future cooperation that will be of value in the increasingly important inter- national phases of bird protection. Toward the end of his trip he repre- sented the department at the Inter- national Congress for the Study and Protection of Birds, held at Brussels, June 6-9. ECONOMIC MAMMALOGY Research work with useful mam- mals, with those that are injurious, and with those whose economic status is problematical, has been concerned primarily with investigations for the conservation of our valuable resources of fur, both in the wild and on fur farms, with improvements in Alaskan reindeer herds, and with experiments for the effective control of injurious rodents, predatory animals, and other forms that interfere with the success of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, stock raising, and game administra- tion. TRAPPING INVESTIGATIONS The importance has been stressed during the year in correspondence, in addresses, and in the annual Farm- ers’ Bulletin on the fur laws, of recog- nizing the needs of our fur-bearing animals if they are to continue in ex- istence in face of the constantly in- creasing demand for fur, and of curb- ing the overtrapping menace to the fur supply. Overtrapping.—The responsibility of the individual States in fur admin- istration is especially td be empha- sized, for if they do not take the steps needed for the protection of their stocks of fur animals, the revenue from this source is sure to diminish and, of far greater import, many of the former suitable haunts of these Palm warblers frequently were | capturing the adult moths. s ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE valuable and interesting animals will know them no more. The main requi- site is a recognition of the fact that trapping should be allowed only dur- ing the period of prime fur and should not include the breeding season. Ideal trapping seasons for various sections of the country are being investigated. That natural resources in furs are steadily diminishing is shown by the fact that the raw-fur catch during the Season 1925-26 was approximately 20 per cent less than that of the previous year, and the decrease for 1926-27 was still greater. If trappers continue to disregard fur laws and to trap out of Season, more and more species will be reduced below the point where it is profitable to take them. The recent flood in the Mississippi Valley caused heavy losses of wild life and will re- sult in a greatly reduced fur catch for the next season in the flooded area. The problem of conserving the remnant of the fur supply and of supplement- ing it from other sources becomes of vital: importance to one of the oldest industries of the country. ' The Biological Survey believes in the principle of conservation of fur ani- mals and other valuable species through wise use, irrespective of the stand taken by those who consider the fur bearers only from the purely com- mercial viewpoint, or of those who con- sider many of them as “vermin” enemies of game, or of that group of individuals who have purely esthetic views. The merits of all these should be recognized by all wild-life admin- istrators, but no one of the viewpoints can be emphasized at the expense of another without disrupting the “ wise use’ principle. Educational work of the bureau was continued with a view to impressing these facts upon the minds of the youth. A booklet entitled “ Our Furry Friends,’ designed to teach the value of fur as a natural resource, was dis- tributed to school children in rural districts throughout the United States, jointly by the National Association of the Fur Industry and this department, through the Extension Service and the Bureau of Biological Survey. A set of lantern slides illustrating fur ani- mals, accompanied by explanatory text, was prepared in cooperation with the Extension Service for use chiefly in classroom work. Articles on North American fur animals also have been prepared with the view of informing members of the fur trade regarding the requirements and life habits of these animals, as well as on the pro- BUREAU OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY tection afforded fur bearers in the various States. EXPERIMENTS IN THE PROPAGATION AND CONTROL OF WILD ANIMALS Through a number of wild-life ex- periment stations, some of which are already established, it is planned to obtain the fundamental information constantly in demand from correspond- ents and others on the propagation and control of wild animals. Supple- mentary to the work at stations al- ready in operation, studies are made of animals in their natural habitat and of practices on successful fur farms, including rabbitries, both directly and in cooperation with individuals and associations working for the solution of problems involved. FUR-FARMING INVESTIGATIONS Fur farming has continued to de- velop steadily in the United States and Alaska during the past year. The fox-farming business is now on a more stable financial basis than ever before, and as the market demand for silver- fox pelts of good quality has increased, the proportion of inferior skins has been greatly reduced. The inspection and registration of silver foxes, con- ducted by the American National Fox Breeders’ Association, is in large meas- ure responsible for the progress made in producing fur of better quality. Raw-fur men and the survey have helped in bringing about the change by continually stressing the need for such improvement. Representatives of the bureau availed themselves of every opportu- nity to acquaint breeders with im- proved management practices in the breeding, feeding, and handling of sil- ver foxes. The field work of inspect- ing fur farms and gathering informa- tion on the many problems confront- ing fur farmers has been continued. Improvements haye been noted in methods of feeding and ranch sanita- tion. Interest in muskrat and beaver farming: is Shown by the fact that many areas, particularly in those States bordering the Great Lakes, have been fenced and stocked. with these fur animals. Breeding stock is bringing almost fabulous prices, and certain sections of the country are be- ing closely trapped tomobtain live ani- mals. Whether or not muskrats and beavers can be raised profitably for fur in fenced inclosures is yet to be 1] determined. The business is not with- out its propaganda, similar to that formerly used by large corporations in the early development of the silver- fox industry, and consequently there is exploitation—on the breeding stock rather than on the pelt basis. A leaflet on mink raising, shortly to be published, was prepared during the year for distribution to those inter- ested. FUR-ANIMAL EXPERIMENT STATION On'‘the fur-animal experiment station maintained by the bureau in the foot- hills of the Adirondack Mountains, Saratoga County, N. Y., studies are pro- gressing of the most _ satisfactory methods of raising fur animals in cap- tivity. The need for further research work in the cause and control of epi- zootic diseases has been increasingly evident, for the department should be in position to advise fur farmers on the control of disastrous outbreaks. Hpizootics among foxes show that there are apparently a number of dif- ferent diseases involved, and these findings are confirmed by other in- vestigators in similar fields. Very little, therefore, can be accomplished in controlling outbreaks before the real eause of the trouble is known, and these causes can be determined only in the laboratory. Continued studies at the experi- ment station have demonstrated that foxes with inferior pelts, even though mated with foxes of superior fur, continue to produce inferior off- spring. Unsuitable foods and feeding methods, as well as parasitic infesta- tion, are contributory factors in pro- ducing inferior pelts. Investigations of parasitic diseases and their treat- ment have been in progress, and in this work the Bureau of Animal In- dustry has cooperated by laboratory examinations of diseased organs and inspection of live animals on the farm. A report entitled ‘ Critical Tests of Tetrachlorethylene as an Anthelmintic for Foxes” was published in the Jour- nal of Agricultural Research during the year. arge exercising pens have proved to be a useful addition to the station. Foxes kept in these inclosures de- velop well and fur out better than those kept constantly in breeding pens. More feed is consumed in the larger pens, but the lessened labor and time involved in caring for foxes offset the additional feed costs. The benefits derived from this work do not end with the actual raising of 12 animals in pens. The data obtained will aid also in furnishing necessary information for the formulation of uni- form trapping laws, through determin- ing breeding and prime-fur periods, and thus form a basis for important conservation measures. With the increased attention to fur farming in Europe, representatives of various countries have visited the fur- animal experiment station to note the eonduct of the work and the results ob- tained. Exportations of fur animals from this country have continued dur- ing the past year, consisting chiefly of silver and blue foxes, martens, minks, and skunks. The French Association of Fur Animal Propagation has trans- lated bulletins and leaflets of the de- partment on fur animals and pub- lished a compilation under the title of “Methods d’Hlevage des Animaux a Fourrure.’ Other bulletins on fur ani- mals have been translated into Ger- man, Russian, and Norwegian. BEAVER-TRANSPLANTING EXPERIMENTS Progress has been made in studying the habits of beavers as a basis for preventing damage by these animals and providing for their conservation and increase in localities where their presence is desirable, and where they may be a financial or recreational asset. A bulletin to supersede Department Bulletin No. 1078, Beaver Habits, Beaver Control, and Possibilities in Beaver Farming, was completed and ready for the press at the close of the year. In Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, demonstrations of procedure in the trapping and transportation of live beavers were given to State game offi- cials, landowners, and others. A field naturalist of the bureau has further improved a trap for taking beavers alive, a description of which was published in a revised circular (No. 69-M) of the department. This is designed for beavers only, and is now being used by State conservation de- partments and other agencies for removing these animals from areas where they are not wanted and plant- ing them in localities where they are desired, either for propagation for their fur or as added attractions in parks. RABBIT EXPERIMENT STATION PLANNED The rabbitry at the fur-animal exper- iment station in New York is gradually | realized, however, ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE developing and valuable information is being obtained. Breeders have the need for ex- panding the experimental work, and have offered several sites in Califor- nia on which to establish a station for this purpose. At the close of the year negotiations were practically completed for the acceptance of 5 acres of land and a fully equipped experiment station at Fontana, Calif., offered by the National Rabbit Fed- eration and the Fontana Farms Co. Studies have been made of condi- tions in rabbitries, especially methods of feeding, breeding, and housing. Various kinds of houses, hutches, and nest boxes have been constructed at the Saratoga station to ascertain which types are best suited to the pro- duction of domestic rabbits, and draw- ings have been ‘prepared and blue prints made for free distribution through the cooperation of the Bureau of Public Roads.