NEWS AND NOT-Ts

NOVEMBER MEETING REPORT. The proposed Breeding Bird Atlas project was discussed and general interest in participation was expressed by a number of those present. Winston Johnston was appointed to chair the Nominating Committee for a 1982 executive. Members voted to renew affiliate membership in the Canadian Nature Federation and to donate $50.00 to CNF to help offset the heavy financial losses concurred during the recent postal strike. Christmas Bird Count dates were set and all members invited to participate. Dan MacAskill of the Island Nature Trust reported on the Trust’s recent involvement in environmental issues in the province, including Greenwich, Royalty Oaks, Deroche Point and the Townshend woodlot.

Bill Stafford, the voice of the morning weather forecast, was the evening's speaker. He outlined the development of weather forecasting in Canada from its infancy to its present day level of sophistication. He described the major components which interact to produce Maritime weather in general, and told of how the winds and waters of Northumberland Strait can produce large and often unpredictable changes in Island weather. Mr. Stafford's presentation was received with a great deal of interest by those present, judging from the multitude of questions he fielded throughout the evening.

DECEMBER MEETING. On December lst, local naturalist Pat Gray will discuss the possibility of establishment of marine mammal parks, with special reference to P.E.I. National Park and the harp seal. She will also discuss the success of

juvenile harp seal feeding programs carried out last winter along the Gulf.

JANUARY MEETING. The Annual Meeting of the P.E.I. Natural History Society will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 5th, 1982 in the usual location. Speaker for the occasion will be Kathy Martin who will show slides and tell of her experiences during the past summer while carrying out research on Willow Ptarmigan in northern Manitoba near Churchill. The Willow Ptarmigan is a grouse-like bird which turns white in winter and brown in summer. It nests on the ground among the low shrubby willows that thrive north of the treeline. For a real taste of life in the Arctic don't miss the January meeting.

LUNCH CHAIRMAN NEEDED. A volunteer is needed to assume the responsibility of organizing refreshments for monthly meetings. The duties are quite light - simply phone someone each month and have him or her bring cookies; then make sure you (or someone else) bring along a kettle and the society supplies (coffee, tea, sugar, coffee mate, cups and napkins). We all enjoy our tea and cookies so call Rosemary Curley at 651-2585 (not long distance from town) if you can help out~ Or, if you are unable to assist on a regular basis, perhaps you will call to volunteer as an occas- ional cookie—baker.

MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 1982. Thirteen early birds have already paid their 1982 dues. We hope all others will be flocking in to pay up in the next two months. Promptness saves the secretary much unnecessary work. Annual rates are: Regular ~ $3.00; Student - $1.00; Family - $4.00. Membership may be procured at meetings or by forwarding the appropriate fee to Margaret E. Mallett, 53 Fitzroy St., Charlotte- town, P.E.I. ClA 1R4.

WATCH FOR MEETING NOTICE in the Calendar of Community Events in the TELEGUIDE in the 'Guardian' or 'Patriot' on the Friday before the meeting or listen for the Bulletin Board announcements on your favourite radio station-

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