Progress of the Breeding Bird Atlas

BY ROSEMARY CURLEY, Atlas Coordinator, PEI

The accompanying maps show the progress to date for each 10km square surveyed for breeding birds on P.E.I. through the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas. In interpreting our progress, keep in mind that for most squares we want to find in the range of 65-72 breeding species; of these species approximately half should be confirmed as breeders. Require- ments for squares with little land mass are considerably less.

Figure 1 shows the priority squares, those that must be fully surveyed over the next two years. As of 1988, only two of 27 priority squares were completed, namely North Rustico and Peakes Station. The Lennox Island, Kensington, Charlottetown, Governor's Island, Savage Harbour, Fodhla, Wood Islands, Sturgeon, Primrose and Howe Pt. squares are nearing completion. Fifteen other priority squares require extensive work.

None of the 25 squares of secondary importance (Figure 2) are yet complete but four are nearing completion (Malpeque, Rocky Point, Cherry Valley, Montague).

There are 48 tertiary squares (Figure 3). The Brackley Beach, Kilmuir and Annandale squares are completed, and four others (Indian River, New London, Mount Buchanan and Riverton) are nearing completion. These squares are least important in the scheme of things, but are not unimportant.

As we enter our second—last field season, our strategy must be, fir of all, to complete surveying the priority squares. If you feel you can contribute more in the square you are working on consider spending time in another priority square. It is apparent from results to date that squares are best completed with the input of several observers. Often observers have complimentary talents, some knowing waterfowl, others finches, warblers, flycatchers, or thrushes. Squares covered by only one individual (such as myself) often show a lack of one particular group of species, which can be remedied by coverage of antoher observer with a different search image, and different talents.

There are several species which are poorly rep— resented in field work to date. These include the owls, the flycatchers, thehorned lark, the common nighthawk, the kinglets, woodland thrushes, many warblers, the sharp—tailed sparrow and Lincoln's sparrow. If you have time and the talent to identify these species, consider keeping special notes of casual observations

of these species in any location. Remember too,

that in many squares, even the most common species are not yet reported.

The Atlas coordinator can provide detailed information on any square, upon your request. If you think you can make a contribution, please con-

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

tact me, Rosemary Curley, Montague RR#3, P.E.I. ,J:::;27. COA 1R0 phone 838—4309 (h) or 368-4807 (w). Your =;;,;:z cooperation is necessary to complete the Atlas. Your talent, however small, will help accomplis KILLDEER this goal. .

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