example of behavioral camouflage. It feeds on the leaves of shade trees and if disturbed will stiffen and angle itself to look like an ordinary twig on the tree. Measuring worms feed for approximately one month on leaves and then drop to the ground on a silkthread where they will pupate underground without a cocoon. Measuring worms are not considered a threat to our trees since they occur in small numbers, and have many natural enemies, in birds and other insects.

Margo Guignion Green Meadows

Color Marked Black Ducks on P.E.I.

Earle Hickey, one of our members, requests information on sightings of any

of his color marked Black ducks. He is studying movements and behavior of Black ducks on P.E.I. Previous work suggests that a portion of the P.E.I. population of Black ducks are non-migratory. Some stay over winter and

breed on P.E.I., while the majority migrate south within the Atlantic

flyway. In order to record movements of individuals in their natal marshes and on P.E.I. generally, Earle has attached colored plastic tags on the patagium (front part of wing) of l22 Black ducks. These paTagial tags are

3 cm. x 7 cm. and are attached to both wings of the bird. There is a two letter code which is visible when the bird is on the water or standing on land. Male Black ducks, captured in summer carry white tags and females have orange. Wintering bird. will also be marked and will bear red tags (males) and yellow tags (females).

The letter code on the patagial tag can generally be read within 200 feet with a telescope. Earle would appreciate any sighting, recapture or recovery information. He will send observers of a marked Black duck information on

its place of capture and previous sightings. If the letter code cannot be read, information on colors of patagial tags observed will still be useful.

If you see one of these color—marked Black ducks record date,time, place, weather,colo s on tags, letter code (if possible), habitat and behavioral activities. send your observations to:

Earle Hickey, Jr.

Fish 8 Wildlife Division P.0. Box 2000 Charlottetown, P.E.I.

In Defense of the Majestic Oak

Niagara-on-the-Lake: Just when it looked as if it might be winging its way to

that great orchard in the sky, Ontario's largest, and possibly oldest, oak tree

seems to have received a reprieve. The tree, l07 feet high, 23 feet in circumference, and 600 years old, was recently dying of old age, disease and malnutrition. Now, however, the alumni association of the Niagara Parks Commission's School of Horticulture, the Niagara ConserVation Authority, businessmen and

concerned citizens have rallied to the great oak's cause. About $5,000 have been pledged to help with the restoration of one of the country's most majestic and

oldest living pieces of heritage.

Heritage Conservation Vol. 2(h), l976 Submitted by: Wendell MacKay