of blood-sucking mosquitoes, for which the island is famous, had not yet emerged. 
     
     In fact, insects in general were notably scarce. Light traps set up after dark 
     
     to attract night flying species, procured only the occasional early June Bug and 
     
     spring moths. Undoubtedly, this would change with the onset of summer. 
     
    

    
     Low lying ground predominates the island and freshwater marshes occur through— 
     
     out — explaining why the island is a haven for mosquitoes. No permanent streams 
     
     are found on the island although at least two former diggings from oil exploration 
     
     activities in the 1940's have created small freshwater ponds. Thus, the island 
     
     appears to offer suitable amphibian habitat although, despite concerted efforts, 
     
     no sign of frogs, toads or salamanders could be found. The silence at night in 
     
     the vicinity of the marshes was in eerie contrast to mainland P.E.I. marshes ringing 
     
     with the chorus of courting amphibians at this time of year. Apparently amphibians 
     
     did not occur on Governor's Island when it was formed, and, since they cannot cross 
     
     salt water or ice they never colonized the island. 
     
    

    
     Typical of islands, the flora and fauna is noticeably impoverished compared 
     
     to adjacent mainland localities, but no less interesting. A list of the trees 
     
     found on the island shows only 10 species, although only the white spruce and tremr 
     
     bling aspen predominate. Ermunant shrub growth included wild rose, spirea, bay— 
     
     berry and alder. Thickets of raspberry were widespread and, combined with stinging 
     
     nettles and the thorns of the roses, they made walking across the island difficult, 
     
     at times. 
     
    

    
     The mammalian component of the island is particularly low. Only two species 
     
     were confirmed - the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and the snowshoe hare 
     
     (Lepus americanus)- although other small rodents and shrews may have escaped our 
     
     notice. No red squirrels, eastern chipmunks, foxes,etc. were found although, 
     
     unlike the amphibians, the chance for these mammals to reach the island is greater. 
     
    

    
     The most prevalent mammals at Governor's Island are marine species. Harbour 
     
     and Grey seals occurred all around the island and were constant companions as we 
     
     walked along the shores. Although no accurate count was possible, 50+ seals were 
     
     estimated with more Grey Seals than Harbour Seals usually seen. Tb our surprise 
     
     the seals were the most vocal of the island's inhabitants. Sitting on the shore 
     
     at night under the stars listening to the roars and bellows of a herd of seals 
     
     hauled out on a reef, was an experience not easily forgotten. 
     
    

    
     If seals dominate the island's marine environment, birds dominate the terrestrial 
     
     habitats. A total of 37 species was recorded on the island and in the surrounding 
     
     waters. Great Blue Herons have established a large breeding colony in the main 
     
     woodland since the mid 1970's and, although no accurate count was made, it was 
     
     estimated to contain 25C)(l98l census)nests. While many herOns were seen along 
     
     the shores of the island, the majority appeared to seek feeding grounds on mainland 
     
     P.E.I. , and there was a constant procession back and forth across the bay. Many 
     
     of the species seen on the island were evidently transient, that is merely crossing 
     
     the island en route to P.E.I. A Marsh Hawk and later a Chimney Swift were typical 
     
     in that they were sighted flying lengthwise down the island (along the old air- 
     
     craft runway) until they reached the northeast corner, whereupon they headed out 
     
     over the water towards Pownal. Actual breeding species were much fewer but some 
     
     suspected breeding species included red—breasted mergansers, common grackles, 
     
     robins, common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, savannah 
     
     sparrow, bank swallow and redaninged blackbird. 
     
    

    
     Governor's Island is a special place for wildlife, suiting the needs of its 
     
     inhabitants superbly. As transient visitors to the island ourselves, we left 
     
     with the feeling that the island truly belongs to the seals, herons and cormorants 
     
     that make their homes there. 
     
    

    
     Be sure to attend the NCvember l, 1983 meeting for a slide presentation on 
     
     Governor's Island. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
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