_ u _

along Island ponds, marshes, bays and estuaries.

Great Blue Herons migrate annually in autumn to United States, Central and South America.

Red—winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird breeds Canada wide, and like the Canada Goose is a sign of spring. Few people have not heard the male redwings's trill on Island marshes, barely before the ice has left.

The male is easily recognized by its red epaulettes and brassy manner, while the female is a drab brown and is often mistaken for a Sparrow. Camouflage is a necessity for the female who incubates her eggs (usually h) in a relatively accessible nest in the cattails.

The young are fed a variety of insects. In early fall, Redwings form huge flocks for migration and are often the cause of destruCtion to cereal crops as their diet changes from inSects to seeds. Redwings winter south to Costa Rica.

YOUR CHOICE ?

Should you not wish to vote for any of the birds presented here, we have left room for a write-in candidate. We recommend that any bird you might choose should be reasonably common, well distri- buted across P.E.|., easily recognized and a breeding bird. Most importantly the bird should typify P.E.l. (We tried to avoid birds which were already provincial or state emblems.

NOTE TO TEACHERS

Selecting a Provincial emblem is a privilege everyone should enjoy. Choosing a Provincial bird would make an ideal classroom project for students from Grade I to Xll during Environment Week in May. Students should be encouraged to research further the attributes of each bird. They'll probably learn a lot about birds in general and develop a greater appreciation for our natural environment.

Teachers who are interested in conducting a classroom vote should total the votes for each candidate and send in the results with the name of their school and class.

Some references to books available for further research in most libraries are provided:

Godfrey,'Earl, 1966 Birds of Canada, National Museum of Canada, Ottawa. #28 pages. Tufts, Robie, I96l The Birds of Nova Scotia, Neva Scotia Museum, Halifax. #8] Pp. A number of field guides to the birds are also available.

OFFICIAL BALLOT - PROVINCIAL BIRD

Check one or state candidate

( ) Belted Kingfisher ( ) Cemmon Tern

( ) Black Duck ( ) Great Blue Heron

( ) Black-capped Chickadee ( ) Herring Gull

( ) Blue Jay ( ) Red-winged Blackbird Write in candidate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Your name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Address: . . . . . . . . . . .............................

Mail ballots before May 30th to Rosemary Curley, I83 North River Road, Charlottetown