revisions, and hosting special events such as the Society's picnic. He was a regular contributor of sightings and both he and his wife Jean were quite receptive to unexpected visitors, avian and naturalist alike.

In celebration of Wendell's many contributions and achievements, the Society purchased an Honourary Deed from the Island Nature Trust. Although small in nature, this deed will commemorate in perpetuity Wendell’s love and dedication to both the Island and our Society. Thank you Wendell, we shall miss you.

FUTURE VISION - ARBORETUM/NATIVE HERB GARDEN by Barbara Currie

A group of visionaries met on Thursday, April 28th to discuss the possibility of developing an arboretum and nature herb garden on the property now'being used by the Agriculture Research Station in Charlottetownfl Visions of not only an arboretum and nature herb garden but also a scented garden for the visually impaired, a wheelchair accessible garden for the physically challenged, community gardens, community greenhouse, wetlands, rail trail enhancement, a green area for Charlottetown, Parkdale, and Sherwood, walkways, demonstration hedgerows, and flower beds were some of the ideas that were flying thick and fast. Members of the Natural History Society who are interested in the idea and might support it through use, membership, and/or volunteer hours are invited to express their interest to the president or any other member of the executive. Any ideas about the role the NHS might play in the realization of this vision would be well received.

* Agriculture Canada is phasing out its use of this property and eventually will carry out most of its work in Harrington.

199d-5 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS SUMMARY by Dan McAskill & Ruth Richman

Perhaps the most asked question of the 1994 - 1995 CBCs was "where are all the finches?" With the exception of the American Goldfinch in all three areas and Evening Grosbeaks in the Montague count area, the finch family members were definitely few and far between on the Island counts (look towards the end of the listing prOVided below). These low numbers compared to those of the last few years certainly demonstrate the finches irruptive occurrence pattern.

While finches were scarce, Cedar Waxwings (yes, Cedar!) and American Robins were abundant on the National Park and Hillsborough counts. Both these species were responding to the large crops of false holly and mountain ash in these count areas. Why they were scarce in the Montague count area is unexplained as this normally balmy area of the Island often records robins when the other two areas miss them. Why the Cedar Waxwing was present (it normally migrates south late in the fall) and no Bohemian Waxwings were seen is also unexplained. While the distinction between Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings can sometimes be difficult due to winter lighting, the waxwings were very cooperative while gorging on Mountain Ash and the counters had excellent views of the yellowish rather than reddish rumps.

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