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removed (either ripped off or blown down). The size of the hole was greatly enlarged and it was then quite easy to check the nest contents. In the sawdust at the bottom of the nest, there were many shell fragments and a few dark hairs, some tipped with light on one or both ends. These hairs were approximately 1—1.5 inches long. Mammalogist, Howard Thomas tentatively identified the owner of the hair to be a Raccoon. The incidences of predation on hole nesting species on Prince Edward Island must be quite low, as this type of fate is not recorded often. ’

AN UNUSUAL DARK-EYED JUNCO NEST

Clare Martin, a naturalist at Brudenell Provincial Park, found an unusual Junco nest on June 29, 1978 in Brudenell Park. The nest was approximately one foot off the ground on a lateral branch of a two foot high Balsam Fir; a rather unusual location for this ground nesting species. In addition to its unusual position, the nest contained 10 eggs, approximately double the normal clutch size. All eggs were roughly the same size and color pattern. Adult Juncos were seen around the nest. When checked later, Clare found that one egg had hatched, but the young was dead and decomposing and the nest had been dislodged from its original site. Seven eggs were found in the nest and one on the branch below. It was undetermined as to whether the disturbance was human or whether another type of predator was involved.

Records compiled by:

Kathy Martin Biology Dept. University of P.E.I.

The Natural History Society of Prince Edward Island Newsletter is published eight times per year. If you have seen something unusual, please shale it with us. It is important to have your observations recorded where others will learn of it.

Please send information to the Newsletter Editor.

c/o Kathy Martin Biology Department University of Prince Edward Island Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Phone - 892-4I21, ext. 253

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