COLOUR MARKED SHOREBIRDS. During the summer of 1980 the Canadian Wildlife Service has been con- tinuing its largescale program

of banding and colour—marking shorebirds in James Bay. The objective of the program is

to define migration routes

used by shorebirds on their journeys between the Arctic .breeding grounds and wintering areas. Since 1974, over 45,700 shorebirds have been captured

in Southern James Bay and have resulted in more than 2,000 'bird days' of sightings of dyed birds, in areas ranging from eastern Canada to South America. Much new information is being obtained on migration routes and strategies thanks to assistance from the many birders who report sightings

of the colour—marked birds.

Feather dyes (yellow-orange) and coloured leg bands (yellow or light blue are used to mark the birds according to age and date and place of capture. If You.see a marked shorebird, please record details of: species, place, date, colour-marks and, if possible, numbers of that species

present . For colour-dyed . birds please record the colour and area of the bird that was dyed (e.g. entire breast, upper breast only, belly from legs to tail only, etc.). For colour bands and standard metal bands please record which leg the bands were on, the colours involved, and the relative position of the

hands if more than one was

on a leg (e.g. lower right leg, blue over metal, etc.).

A note should also be made whether the bands were

below or above the "knee"

of the bird.

If you see a colour- marked shorebird but are unable to obtain all of the above details, a record of whatever information you are able to observe would still be much appreciated. All . reports should be sent to: Dr. R.I.G. Morrison, Canadian Wildlife Service, 1725 Woodward Drive,

Ottawa, Ontario K1G 327.

A WORD FROM YOUR EDITOR I have assumed editorship of

the newsletter for the 1980 - 1981 year. I hope the newsletter will enjoy as much success this year as it has under previous editors. I am looking forward to receiving articles, news and notes from all members. Also, if you have any suggestions or comments concerning the newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Clare Martin

Editor, N.H.S. Newsletter