program has assisted bird conservation projects in over 130 communities with $350,000 in funding and support. This year's projects have been made possible thanks to CNF's supporters as well as corporate partners TransCanada, Petro-Canada, Falconbridge and Noranda. (Adapted from a May 8‘h CNF press release)

A walrus was reported at Schooner Pond Beach near Glace Bay, Cape Breton on Jun. 11 by Allen & Cathy Murrant.

Congratulations go out to the Island Nature Trust on its latest land acquisition via anonymous donations of 6 ha (15 ac.) at Tryon River saltrnarsh and 1.2 ha (3 ac.) at Iona. (excerpted from Island Nature Trust Update Issue 81)

The Island lies in Bird Conservation Region # 14 (Atlantic Northern Forest) and a series of analyses are being implemented to determine population status and trends on the bird populations in this region. While data sets are not as good as might be preferred, the Short-eared Owl is the only raptor on the BCR l4 preliminary list of raptors of high conservation concern. (excerpt from Bird Trends # 9, 2003)

Immature Golden Eagle reported by Murray Newell over Barrington, Shelburne County, NS on Feb. 6 (from NS - RBA by Blake Maybank).

SOCIETY SPECIAL EVENTS: by Dan Kennedy & Bonnie McOrmand

On February 22, 3 Society members teamed up for the Great Organized Owl Outing. The evening started at 8:30 pm and started the calling at Macphail Woods. Unfortunately, no responses were heard. From there they proceeded to Ben's Lake where a Great Horned Owl replied in the distance. At Valleyfield Demonstration Woodlot, a Barer Owl responded to the tapes. Finally, on St. Patrick's Road, a group of coyotes started howling after the tape was played. At 11:00 the group was back in Charlottetown after an enjoyable outing.

Several members got together on May 25‘11 for a bid day count. Despite the weather, the team achieved a total of 104 species. The highlight was 18 Harlequin Ducks at East Point.

Thanks to the efforts of a team on Natural History Society volunteers led by Leslie MacIsaac and Bonnie McOrmand, a very successful Birds and Breakfast was held on May 315' at the Dalvay Interpretive Centre. A profit of $92 was generated for Society events and programs. In addition, a Society information booth was sponsored at

the Farmers Market in Charlottetown on June 7 (??) With short birding trips being offered along Confederation Trail.

WEATHER EVENTS: On March 3", the day opened with rain and, by 1 pm there was a -30 degree wind chill. East Point open on

Apr.lst visit (DCS). Egmont Bay is slowly opening up (G&FMa on Apr. 15). Small ice cakes still on the shore at Brackley on Apr. 18 (IDM, RPh). On the whole, its been a cold, wet spring.

ANIMAL AND PLANT SIGHTINGS: Compiled by J. Dan McAskill

PLANTS: Pussy willow catkins open at Gowan Brae on Mar. 26 (DO). Marsh marigold, service berry, wild strawberry in flower and the white tufts of cotton grass evident in a few locations in northeastern PEI on May 31. Red oak in flower on June 2 in Donagh and Charlottetown. Mountain ash and choke cherry in bloom at Donagh on June 14 and pin cherry on June 18‘“. Bush honeysuckle in flower on June 19m (JDM).

INSECTS: First mosquito seen by DO at Crossroads on Apr. 24. Lady bug at Crossroads on orange on May 7 (DO). A mourning cloak at Dalvay on May 16 (DCS). Tiger Swallowtails in flight in Donagh feeding on honeysuckle (JDM).