HELP SUPPORT INJURED OWLS

McKeever Owl Rehabihiatiwxand Research Foundation in Ontario, a worthy cause for our support. This well known center has harboured hundreds of injured owls over the years, under the tender care of

Larry and Kay McKeever. Their work has resulted in many success stories of rehabilitated birds being released back into the wild, and dramatic successes of owls breeding in captivity.

Such work is expensive. An oil painting (22" x 28") of a Great Grey Owl by Barry Kent MacKay is being raffled by the Pickering Naturalists to help raise money for the Foundation. The money will be used to support their programs and activities and to publicize the Foundation and its work. Tickets, $2.00 each can be obtained from Anne Landry, 269 Queen St., Charlottetown (89h—3268). If you can help sell

some tickets, books are also available. The draw Till be May 30—June l, 1980.

BIRDATHON ' 80

The 3rd annual Francis Bain Bird-a-thon will be held Saturday May 31, 1980. 'All members of the NHS are urged to participate. The purpose of this project is to record as many different bird species from as many habitats as possible on P.E. .

The transect method adhered to in the past is optional as the emphasis is on part— icipation. "Backyard birders" as well as those on the field trips are encouraged to submit their records. While certain areas have been covered each year (East Kings, Montague, Hillsborough—Cherry Valley, National Park, Dunk River) interested part- icipants may investigate additional areas as well. Members who wish to participate in a "field outing” but who do not have transportet‘o“ should 1“”+°“‘ Geoff Eo-a:

As birds are generally most active in the early morning the most reuarding bird- watching is often accomplished during those hours although there are no r here.

All participants will record: the different species seen, the time spent biriwatching and the general area that the participant covered. Copies of the Field Check List

of Birds of P.E.I. for recording this information will be available at the HHS May 6th meeting or from Geoff Hogan. The actual numbers of individuals of the more common species do nOt nave to be recorded although their Status may be nOted as TC (very common, 50 or more birds per day) or C (common, lO-h9 birds per day). The actual number of individuals of the less common species should be noted.

Participants may either submit their results at a pot—luck supper being held that evening at 6:30 at Geoff Hogan's or mail them direct to the same. Counters and non- counters alike are invited to attend the pot-luck supper; a phone call to confirm attendance at least 2h hours in advance would be appreciated. Traditionally the early risers tick off the most species so set your alarms for "sunrise", focus your binoculars, and come to enjoy the NHS's 3rd annual Francis Bain Bird-a-thon.

Geoff Hogan, Bird-a-thon Organi er l53 North River Road, Charlott Tel: 89h—3559

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