Background:

These colorful prints are from a guide to birds of North America, specifically those found in New York State.  The illustrations are by Louis Fuertes.  The guide was published to educate the public on the diversity of wildlife found in the state "On account of the rapidly changing natural conditions in this country due to settlement and cultivation, and because of the wanton and thoughtless destruction of forests which has characterized the last century" (from the Preface - written over 100 years ago!).