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     FOX SPARROWS IN APRIL 
     
    
   
   
    
     The fox sparrow is one of the few species of songbirds that 
     
     pass through P. E. I. during spring migration without staying 
     
     here during the summer months. It usually arrives between the first 
     
     and middle of April and then continues on its way further north at 
     
     the end of April. Although it passes through here on its way south 
     
     in late autumn, it is not nearly as noticeable as it is in spring 
     
     migration. Thus, April is the best month to look for fox sparrows 
     
     on P. E. I. I saw a flock of ten on April 21, this year. 
     
    

    
     Although it is quite similar to the song sparrow, the fox sparrow 
     
     is noticeably larger, has a distinct rust—coloured tail and more 
     
     heavily streaked underparts. Its favorite habitat is a thicket of 
     
     small white spruce, bordering deciduous woods at the edge of a field. 
     
     Its presence is often detected by its habit of loudly scratching 
     
     through dead leaves on the ground. 
     
    

    
     A few other songbirds have arrived this year in April, including 
     
     the cowbird on April 5, the robin on April 8, the‘yellow—shafted 
     
     (common) flicker on April 18 and the rusty blackbirds on April 21. 
     
     Other songbirds to look for near the end of April are the tree 
     
     swallow, ruby—crowned kinglet, savannah sparrow, white-throated 
     
     sparrow and the purple finch. 
     
    

    
     Bruce MacLean, 
     
     Milton, P. E. I. 
     
    
   
   
    
     P. S. Bruce knows what he is talking about! On April 30, I saw 
     
     my first tree swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet and white— 
     
     throated sparrow for 1974 . 
     
     Kathy Martin, 
     
     Biology Dept., 
     
     U. P. E. I. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     Interpretive Programs in Provincial Parks for Summer —— 1974 
     
    
   
   
    
     The provincial parks system is planning an expanded interpretive 
     
     program over its initial efforts on 1973. In May, tWO assistant 
     
     naturalists will be taken on staff for the summer season. They will 
     
     be stationed at Green Park and Basin Head Fisheries Museum; both of 
     
     which have facilities for audiovisual presentations and nature trails. 
     
     Since Green Park is a shipbuilding site, some emphasis will be placed 
     
     on historic interpretation in addition to natural history. The 
     
     naturalist at Basin Head will also be conducting guided walks in 
     
     the Townsend Wbodlot, one of the few climax woodlands left on 
     
     P. E. I. 
     
    

    
     In addition to the slide talk that was used last year at the 
     
     Basin Head Museum, up to six new slide presentations will be given 
     
     this summer. These will be shown, as well, at various schools 
     
     throughout the academic year. ’ ‘ 
     
    

    
     Two publications will be ready shortly for distribution. A 
     
     prayincial bird check list has been prepared and should be back 
     
     from the printers shortly. A three-part nature booklet on common 
     
     birds, woodland plants and seashore life will be completed in time 
     
     for the summer season. ' 
     
    

    
     Diane Griffin, 
     
     Prov. Park Naturalist. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     GREEN PARK 
     
     I , 
     
    

    
     One of the most prominent shipbuilders of his time, James F. 
     
     Yeo Jr. is also now remembered for his Victorian residence, Green 
     
     Park. Constructed in 1865, this house is one of the few remaining 
     
     testimonials to the once great era of Island shipbuilding. In 
     
     order that the cultural history of the area be preserved, a 
     
     Provincial park has been established which incorporates both its 
     
     natural and cultural assets. 
     
    

    
     Today in 1974, Green Park house still remains as a reminder of 
     
     an era too great to be forgotten. Altered very little since its 
     
     construction over 100 years ago, the house has been restored and 
     
     furnished in cooperation with the Prince Edward Island Heritage 
     
     Foundation. 
     
    

    
     The history of our province reflects our natural assets, thus 
     
     much of the Interpretive Program incorporates both the human and