GOVERNOR'S ISLAND EXCURSION

by Geoff Hogan, Springvale .

arrival time: 21 May 1983, 10:30 a.m. overcast with frequent sunny periods becoming mostly sunny, light se wind, 15°C departure time: 23 May 1983, 6:00 p.m. mostly sunny with occasional cloudy periods, little wind, 15°C participants: Val Beer, Winnie Cairns, Geoff Hogan

Between 21-23 May 1983, three members of the Natural History Society of P.E.I. - ’ undertook an investigation of the furthest offshore island off P.E.I. - Governor's Island. The initial idea for the excursion occurred the previous winter during the Christmas Bird Count whai the question was asked, "What birds are found on Governor's Island? " From there other questions arose regarding the mammals, amphibians, insects and plants of the approximately 100 acre island sheltered in the center of Hillsborough Bay. Subsequently an outing was planned to attempt to answer these questions. The 4 mile crossing was arranged with a local lobster fisherman and tents, assorted camping gear and collecting equipment were piled high on the island's north east shore by approximately 10:30 a.m. 21 May. From the outset we were aware of the island's dominant citizens — a large flock of roosting Great and Double-crested cormsrants, members of the large Great Blue Heron colony, and an inquisitive number of harbour and grey seals formed the welcoming carmittee.

During the next 215 days we roamed throughout the island recording the various inhabitants both Onshore and offshore. Our timing couldn't have been better. Not only had the mild weather brought back many of the spring migrants, but the hordes

GOVERNOR' s ISLAND N .

sandbar Hillsborough Bay . /

Scale: l:l0,000 at Open well I Derelict building Woodland

imay .