Natural Histoy Society news 
     
    
   
   
    
     Twenty four members attended the December meeting in the Health Build 
     
     ing. They were informed that both the Society and the Canadian Nature Fed— 
     
     eration have written letters opposing the proposed bridge over the Lake of 
     
     Shining Waters, and there was discussion over the cutting that took place 
     
     on the Canoe Cove canopy road. President of the NHS, Rosemary Curley, said 
     
     she would write a letter asking the provincial government to use their guide— 
     
     lines and designate roads for protection. 
     
    

    
     Dan McAskill showed slides of past CNF conference field trips and talked 
     
     about the upcoming conference in Saskatoon in June this year. 
     
    
   
   
    
     If first impressions hold true, the Natural History Society's new 
     
     meeting place at the Farm Centre on University Avenue will be quite a good 
     
     move. There were about 35 members at the meeting and the larger seating 
     
     capacity was most welcome. 
     
    

    
     Winston Johnston gave the yearly report on the NHS finances (we're 
     
     still in good shape) and Diane Griffin reported on the activities of the 
     
     Island Nature Trust in 1986. In his update on the CNF, Dan said they will 
     
     oppose big game ranching in Canada, and that they are reviewing the Nation- 
     
     al Parks Act. The CNF is also still working on the South Moresby issue, 
     
     with a video to be finished soon that could be shown here if enough people 
     
     are interested. 
     
    

    
     The nominating committee for the 1987 executive (Gerald MacDonald, 
     
     Jane Symmes and chairperson Diane Griffin) named their candidates and 
     
     the members declared them elected. The 1987 executive is: 
     
    

    
     President - Rosemary Curley 
     
     Vice-President - Dan McAskill 
     
     Secretary Treasurer — Margaret Mallett . 
     
     Recording Secretary - Geoff Hogan ’ 
     
     Directors - Teresa Hughes 
     
    

    
     - Joyce MacLeod 
     
    

    
     The members also voted to subscribe to American Birds for the Robertson 
     
     Library (the winter edition carries the results of all the bird counts). 
     
     Rosemary Curley was chosen as the Island's suggested nominee for represent— 
     
     ative to the Canadian Nature Federation. Dan McAskill is stepping down as 
     
     director. ' 
     
    

    
     Guest speaker for the meeting was Winston Johnston, who used slides 
     
     and samples to give a history of wildlife on stamps. It was especially inter- 
     
     esting to see how the artwork has changed over the years 
     
    
   
   
    
     Use sharp-shin as bioffionitor 
     
    
   
   
    
     The Canadian Wildlife Service is attempting to assess the potential 
     
     of the Sharp-shinned Hawk as biomonitor of toxic chemical contamination of 
     
     the terrestrial environment. Specimens are needed. These hawks are fairly 
     
     common frequenters of winter bird-feeding operations and occasionally col- 
     
     lide with window panes near the feeders. 
     
    

    
     A request is made that such casualties be labelled, placed in plastic 
     
     bags, and frozen. CWS should then be called collect at (506) 452-3086 for 
     
     shipment instructions. Potential contributors of specimens are thanked in 
     
     advance for their support of this investigation.