these factors are affecting Piping Plover populations is very poor. The major problem is the lack of a concerted research program. We have very little more than anecdotal accounts of most of the factors I have mentioned. The amount of over-wintering mortality the birds sustain is almost totally un- known. He need a North American --wide study of this bird to accurately determine the major factors affecting its population in different regions. Until we have such an all-encompassing voew, explanations for declining populations of this species should be regarded as somewhat speculative. ‘

Just a note to end - The Piping Plovers started arriving back at the National Park this year during the middle of April - about two weeks earlier than last year.

References:

Cairns, w.E. 1977. Breeding biology and behaviour of the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) in southern Nova Scotia. MSc. Thesis, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 115 p.

Corbett, G.N. and B.I. Ball. 1980. A management plan for Piping Plover, Char- adrius melodus, in Prince Edward Island National Park. Natural Resourse ' Conservation, Atlantic Region, Parks Canada. 68 p.

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MARITIMES NEST RECORD SCHEME. Spring is upon us and the time of nesting of birds

is here. The repository of information collected by the Maritime Nest Record Scheme over the past 23 years has now reached a total of over 28,000 cards. As the data bank grows each year, it becomes increasingly more valuable to researchers studying breeding distribution, population changes, habitat preference and nesting success. The scheme now includes records of 187 species, with 2,780 cards represent- ing 102 species from Prince Edward Island. In 1982 only 85 cards from P.E.I. were sent in from 9 observers. Surely, with a greater effort by more people, P.E.I. can improve its contribution in 1983. So let's all get busy to do our part to help out this worthwhile project. Special cards

for recording data are available from Ninnie Cairns or Geoff Hogan. Completed nest record cards should be forwarded at the end of the nesting season to: A.D. Smith, Coordinator, Maritimes Nest Record Scheme, P.0. Box 1590, Canadian Wildlife Service, Sackville, New Brunswick EOA 3C0.

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