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. . 
     
    
   
   
    
     _ 6 _