bird should be closed tightly, placed in a second plastic bag, and refrigerated (not frozen) until it can be delivered to the laboratory for testing. Call one of the above numbers for advice on how to submit a dead bird. There is little risk of catching West Nile Virus directly from wild birds. However, avoid handling any sick or dead animal with your bare hands, and wash your hands afterwards. The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre National Information Line is 1-800-567-2033. These Internet links provided additional information on West Nile Virus: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/v015no5/hubalek.htm#20 http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/arboinfo.htm http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/West__Nile_QA.htm http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/nwhchome.htrnl http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ep/WNV/summary.html http://wildlife.usask.ca/newsen.htm#WNV

NEWS FROM ABOUT: Compiled by J. Dan McAskill

For the first time since the 1991 International Survey, Piping Plovers reached a new high number of breeding birds with 241 pairs in 1999. Despite this increase, Prince Edward Island numbers are still lower with 43 verses 51 breeding pairs. (adapted from Piping Plover Guardian Newsletter # 6, Dec. 1999)

Long Point Bird Observatory celebrated its 40th anniversary in the autumn of 1999. Perhaps it was this event that brought the dozens of Cave Swallows at Long Point and Point Pelee. , (adapted from Long Point Bird Observatory and Ontario Programs Newsletter 31 :3.)

The Island Nature Trust has a number of projects on the go right now. They expect to purchase two new properties this year and are negotiating the donation of an additional four sites. Forest Conservation is a priority and they have identified nearly 200 properties that may have woodland that would qualify for protection as Natural Areas. Work with the Piping Plover will continue and they are assisting with the creation of species at risk lists which could work in conjunction with the new Wildlife Conservation Act. (adapted from a February 2000 donor's letter)

The Red-bellied Woodpecker was named by early artist-ornithologist Mark Catesby who noted that the breast and underparts to be "ash-colour... except the belly near the vent, which is stained with red". (adapted from TFN 487: 10)

Thanks to some great work by Andrew Ings, the Hillsborough River Association launched its web site at http://carrefour.peicaps.org./hillsborough/ This site provides a wonderful look at the history and culture of this Canadian Heritage River.

The Great Lakes have fallen to their lowest level in 30 years with average water levels 33 cm below the long term average. Low fall and winter precipitation combined with high summer temperatures have reduced the water levels leading to significant problems for lake freighters and boaters in general. (adapted from TFN 48722)

A new window glass film coating called CollidEscape is now available. It is bright white on the outside to reduce glare and transparency and black on the inside to absorb light. This film adheres to the outside of the glass and costs about $2.50 per square foot. (TFN 48727)

A 34 hectare rural property just north of Pickering near Claremont will remain a nature reserve for the next 999 years thanks to the landowners, Lorne and Rhoda Almack, who signed an easement agreement with the Federation of Ontario Naturalists which prevents the property from being developed or subdivided. This is the first such agreement signed with the FON in Ontario. (TFN 489:22)

"By the Sea" is a guide to eleven ecosystems within the coastal zone of Eastern Canada. It provides ~ information on the inhabitants of our coastal zones, on the importance of these environments to our

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