COUNTING HERON

THE NATIONAL—HERON census ‘ Hy Rosemary Curley

The 1980 heron census is old news now, but in preparation for this year's effort, we might want to review last year's results. To summarize (see table), 12 of 14 known colonies were censused, one in winter, and one new colony at Blooming Point was located by Paul Strain. Three colonies were found deserted, and an old colony site last recorded as unused at Herring Island remained unoccupied. Some large colonies were very accurately censused, while others in thick vegetation proved very tricky to count. Censusing at the proper time was difficult with weather playing a role in preventing heron counters from reaching their island destinations. (Many who reached the islands owe their thanks to Federal Fisheries officers and their free transportation.) A preliminary total of 859 active nests was found in 1980. In 1981 with a year of census experience, better coordination, and a little luck with weather, we should be able to fill in some gaps. '

For more information on the Maritime census results, census techniques and the rationale behind the heron census, participants of the 1980 census and would-be participants of the '81 census are invited to the April meeting when Mr. Al Smith, the Maritime Heron Census coordinator will discuss the afore- mentioned topics. Those interested in just looking at herons should enjoy the presentation of an excellent new National Film Board production on Great Blue Herons, which'Al is bringing along.

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1980 HERON CENSUS RESULTS

Number of Actual or C°1°ny Active Nests Estimate Observers

Kings County

1. Boughton Island 30+ Estimate John Wright

2. Herring Island 0 Actual Debbie Peters, Bill

Glen and Sid Watts

3. Cherry Island 29 Actual D.Peters, B.Glenn, S.Watts

4. Thomas Island 100 Estimate D.Peters, B.Glenn, S.Watts Queens County

. St. Peters Island 30 Winter count Winifred Cairns 6. Governor‘s Island 100+ Estimate Bob Thompson, Richard Holden

7. Judson's Island 0 Actual Geoff Hogan

8. Glenfinnan Island 182 Actual Bruce Smith, Alfred Morais

9. Rustico Island 98 Actual P.E.I. National Park staff 10. North Granville 0 Actual Margaret Mallett

Prince County

11. Holman's Island Not censused ’12. Courtin Island . Not censused but noted to be active

13. George Island 0 Actual Winifred Cairns, Anne Landry 14. 0ulton's Island 270 Actual Gerald and Alanagh MacDougall,

Penelope Player, Dana Pushie

New Colonies 15. Blooming Point 20+ Estimate Paul Strain

Total number of active nests 859 (C.W.S. estimate was 1200 pairs)