Naturalist, with activities in applied ornithology, systematic entomology, ichthyology and life histories of Urodela, McAtee developed a great interest in the local names of birds and plants, selection theories and conservation. He was prominent in the affairs of the American Ornithologists' Union acting as its treasurer from 1920-38.

It was during this period that most of these letters were addressed to Witmer Stone and concerned the many fields of interest cited above. His communications serve to accent the financial affairs of The Auk and his connection as reviewer of ornithological literature in that periodical.