* * * * 'k * * * * APRIL MEETING. The April meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. in the Provincial Health Building. Because of the rescheduling of the

March meeting to March 9, due to weather, Dr. Lawson Drake will speak at the

April meeting on 'Butterflies of P.E.I.'. Andy Dean will give a slide presentation on the 'South Shore of Nova Scotia' at the March meeting.

MAY MEETING. The last meeting of the season will be held at 8 p.m. on Tue., May 4 in the usual location. Program will feature a showing of members' slides submitted to the Nature Slide Contest, followed by the presentation of prizes to the winners. Traditionally this is one of the best attended meetings of the year, so make a special effort to come. You'll not be disappointed: the slides are always of excellent quality.

FIRST ANNUAL GREAT AMPHIBIAN HUNT. Each spring on some mild rainy April night, unbeknownst to most of us, amphibians emerge from their winter hibernation quarters and migrate to nearby ponds to mate. On such a night they are often highly visible crawling across rain-slick roads. This year we are hoping to catch them in the act! If you would like to come along leave your name and phone number with Geoff Hogan at 892—4121 (170). Then, when the right night comes, you will receive a call and we will head out to prowl the back roads and pond edges. Be sure to dress very warmly, wear rain gear and rubber boots, and bring along a flashlight, dip-nets and amphibian field guides if you have them.

INDIAN RIVER AND CAPE TRYON. Each spring the National Wildlife Area at Indian River is one of the best spots in the province to find the greatest variety of migrating and nesting duck species. Meet at the YMCA in Ch'town at 9 a.m. or at the Indian River Sanctuary at 10 a.m. on Sat., May 15. In the afternoon we will proceed to Cape Tryon to observe Great and Double— crested cormorants nesting on the high cliffs of the cape. Dress warmly. Bring a lunch and binoculars. Field trip leader is Geoff Hogan (892—4121, ext. 170).

FRANCIS BAIN BIRDATHON. The fifth annual Francis Bain Birdathon will be held on Sat. May 29. All birds recorded during the 24 hours of the day are eligible to be counted. Also please note any additional species observed during the 3 days before and after the Birdathon day. Contact the organizer Geoff Hogan at 892-4121 (170) for information on available counting areas, so that counters will be well distributed across the whole province. Last year our total number of species fell to 97, so let's try hard to improve this year. A pot-luck supper is planned to conclude the day. Anyone able to volunteer his or her home for the supper should contact the organizer.

WATCH FOR NEWS OF OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

ENVIRONMENT WEEK — approximately the third week of May. FILM NIGHT - nature films for the whole family BONSHAW HILLS - hike and trail clean—up ISLAND NATURE TRUST - annual meeting on May 20. ARBOR DAY - plant a tree on Friday, May 21. BIRDS AND BREAKFAST — at P.E.I. National Park in late May. VALLEYFIELD WOODLOT - spring in the woods in early June. TYNE VALLEY ~ annual 'up-west' trip in mid—June. GREAT BLUE HERON CENSUS - late June and early July.

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