NEWS FROM ABOUT r ' . . by Dan McAskill

In January, a new bird information line was established in New Brunswick. The number is (506) 450-3825 or, if you find it easier, 450—DUCKL The line was started by three Fredericton bird watchers, Jim Edsall, David Myles, and Don GibSon. -When you phone in, you will hear a taped message giving rare sightings and upcoming field trips. YOu can leave your sightings at the end of the tape. You can support the line by sending donations to Bird Information, N.B. C/o David Myles. Lower Prince William, York Co., N.B. FOR 130 (adapted from N.B. Naturalist 18:3 March 1991.- ' .

. In June,'Pickering Naturalists bestowed their 1991 conservation Award on 'General Motors for its efforts to design a wilderness-compatible corporate headquarters near the Oshawa Second Marsh, east of Toronto. The building's height, glazing, and lighting were designed with migrating birds in mind and the marsh was protected by a berm (bank of soil)/swa1e complex and silt ponds to control runoff. The land is being landscaped with native plants and trails are being developed for the public. (adapted from Seasons 31:3 Autumn, 1991)'

The Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas is nearing completion and will be available sometime early in the new year. Anyone interested in a copy should” contact the Society at our post office address or phone Dan McASkill at 569-4351. ' ' . ’

A significant expansion of Dutch elm disease occurred In Prince Edward Island in 1991 with the discovery of an infected-tree at Little Sands (eaSt of -Wood ISlands) and another on the outskirts of Summerside. The disease is _ intensifying in previously infected areas in Western P.E.I., especially ' O'Leary.‘(adapted from Forestry Canada Maritimes Region Technical Note 255.)

Project FeederWatch will conduct a voluntary food preference study with this years FeederWatch. .(adapted from Project FeederWatch information kit) , -' The mounting loss of coastal land and wildlife habitat in the Gulf of "!le:‘iL'

Maine in the past decade has resulted in a significant increase in land

' trusts. In Maine, some 47,000 acres of land have been purchased under the

$35,000,000 1and.for Maine's Future since 1987. The number of land trusts has

increased from 9 in 1979 to 65 at present. The eldest land trust in the

world, the Trustees of Reservations is celebrating its 100th anniversary. It

manages 72 properties totaling more than 18,000 acres. (adapted from Turning

the Tide 3:4_September 1991) . ,. i . - The Environmental.Partners Fund has granted $4.9 million to 130- -

COmmunity based organizations.. Eleven projects have been approved in P.E I. ‘ s;

with a total value of $197,139. (adapted from Minister Environment Canada

Release PR—HQ-9l-25) - ' _ ' ‘ ,'

The decline in-bird species that breed in Canada and the United States and winter in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean,‘and South America was confirmed in 1989 with the publication of long term survey programs. In May of 1990, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation launched an international initiative for the conservation of these birds called the Neotropical . v'TV" Migratory Bird Conservation Program. The first meetings were held in Atlanta, Georgia in December of 1990 and the structure of the Federal Agency Neotropical Migratory Bird Committee and its 9 working groups was adopted. This committee will work on monitoring, research, legislation, information and education, international initiatives, weStern region, northeastern region, midwest region, and southeast region. (Partners in Flight 1:1, Fall‘199l)‘

Dr. Louis LaPierre Of the Univeriste de Moncton was awarded the 1991 - Lifetime'Environmental Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the promotion'of Environmental awareness and the development of environmental

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