The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

page 28 NORTH LEEDS LANIERI BIRDS OF A FEATHER by Max-g Hendrick In a world where professionalism seems to reign supreme, it is encouraging to know that within the field of ornithology data contributed by amateurs makes a considerable impact. Keen birders who keep accurate records, supply information which is frequently used by ornithologists. As well, volunteers from all walks of life work on various atlasses, counts, banding programmes, etc. The Ontario Nest Records Scheme (ONRS), which enlists the help of non-professionals is sponsored by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). It is under the directorship of Dr. George K. Peck and its aim is "to encourage collection, storage and analysis of nesting data for all bird species in Ontario". It is easy to participate - one simply fills out cards recording pertinent details gained by observing nests. These cards, which are returned to the ROM, provide information which increases our knowledge on such matters as average nesting dates and clutch sizes, preferred habitats and nest sites, overall nesting success, etc. You can easily contribute data to ONRS without leaving your own property, for it would be a rare yard in this area that did not harbour at least one nest! Of course, as you bird farther afield more opportunities abound. Those interested in taking part should write to Dr. George K. Peck, Ontario Nest Records Scheme, c/o Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto. MSS 2C6. Ask for the desired number of cards and the directions for completing them. An annual report is published and is available to contributors on request. March heralded the return of some of our common summer birds. American Crows, now paired off, are bobbing and cawing as they prepare for nesting; large flocks of European Starlings are on the move; a Brown-headed Cowbird was seen early in the month by Maureen Ready and the first reported migrating Red-winged Blackbirds were viewed by the Elgin Birdwatching class on March 12. Apparently no one has spotted an American Robin yet (March 15) but some should be present in our area. Horned Larks are plentiful, but not many Snow Buntings have been recorded. Mary Leidenberger had a single bunting at her feeder and a flock of fifty or so appeared near Elgin. There was a different species in the group, which was thought to be a Lapland Longspur, but the birds flew en masse before positive identification could be made. Annette Moss, in the absence of the teacher, successfully led the Elgin birdwatching class on their field trip. Successfully is a good word, for Annette et al turned up an Adult Bald Eagle at Lower Brewer's Lock. Envy is a birdwatching teacher whose class sees a Bald Eagle when she is not present! Ben Campbell first alerted me to a Pileated Woodpecker which was working a tree near the Elgin Library. It has continued to do so, and the massive holes it has chiselled out are ample proof that the tree must harbour plenty of food. Pileated Woodpeckers are now drumming and calling loudly in preparation for their nesting season, at which time they will become very quiet. Once again hawks, which in most cases are probably accipiters, have been hunting for birds at feeders. Anna Greenhorn, Katherine Sides, Allan Balmer, Marjorie Jackson, Marion Seeley and Winona Barker have all noticed their presence. Allyn Dennison saw a hawk make an abortive attempt to capture a. Gray Partridge from the covey present at his farm. The only report of Pine Grosbeaks came from Robin Garreau who saw a flock .-..-»..-, of 40-50 at Singleton Lake. Common Redpolls, which have been scarce this winter are turning up here and there in fairly large numbers. Purple Finch are still hard to find, but Katherine Sides had one appear at her feeder. Elsie and John Goodman had a Redâ€"breasted Nuthatch at their feeding station. It is smaller than the White-breasted Nuthatch, has rufous underpants, a black line through the eye and a white eyebrow. Its call is more nasal than the "whiteâ€"breasted's" sounding as Peterson says, "like a tiny tin horn." The Redâ€"breasted Nuthatch nests in a tree hole and has the curious habit of surrounding the entrance with evergreen pitch. Although one can surmise that this is to protect the nest from insects or small mammals, the reason is not really known. To avoid the stickiness the bird usually flies directly into the nest hole. Hal Harrison in "A Field Guide to Nests" reports that one nuthatch was found dead, stuck in the pitch of its entrance hole in a birch tree. According to John Hughson about 20 Mourning Doves have been frequenting the feeder at the senior citizens apartment building in Elgin. Not far away Marjorie Jackson is still feeding Northern Cardinals though they make their appearance less often on warmer days. It is always encouraging to find young people who are interested in nature. Scott Gallagher, a teenager, discovered a Northern Saw-whet Owl in the family drive shed. The owl eventually caught and devoured a House Sparrow. Another "sawâ€"whet" was found dead on Highway 15 by Clifford Smith. It had probably been hit by a car, the fate of many owls. Scott also saw a Snowy Owl near Portland and Mary Leidenberger observed one near Westport. Another turned up south of Elgin. Ellen Bonwill, who is always interested in nature, watched a Black-capped Chickadee drinking from a dripping icicle. This cheery little bird is whistling its spring song now, which is often mistaken for that of an Eastern Pike. Bill McDonald of Pike Lake observed a Great Blue Heron‘ on March 5 and also had the good fortune to see a rare winter visitor, the Boreal Owl, on the same day. Alex Graham had the frustrating experience of seeing what could have been a Sandhill Crane and yet not being able to get a good enough view for a positive identification. Hooded Mergansens appeared among the many Common Mergansens at Lower Brewer's Lock and a Pied-billed Grebe was also seen swimming there. A Common Raven, showing its wedgedâ€"shaped tail and croaking all the while, circled over Chaffey's Lock a proving that even on a day when one is not seeing much in birdâ€"life, interesting things can happen. Birdwise, things are starting to move and can only become more exciting. Please call me at 359-5178 with your finds. Until next month GOOD BIRDING! GOLD SEAL CERTIFICATES AWARDED TO LOCAL MILK PRODUCERS At the Annual meeting of the Milk Producers of Leeds County, 67 General Certificates were awarded under the Milk Quality Recognition Program run by the Ontario Milk Marketing Board and the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to these honours, five Gold Seal Certificates of Merit were issued. These awards, due to changes in the testing procedures, require very high standards in milk LOCAL COMMUNITIES SUPPORT FOOD BANK The continued support of area food banks was the main topic at the North Leeds' Inter-Church Fellowship meeting at the United Church in Elgin on March 10th. An informative report was given concerning the food bank in Brockville, as well as accounts pertaining to the local project. Defining and helping the needy in our communities has, been a focal point of the monthly Monday morning meetings since last fall. An immediate requirement for a food bank was acknowledged in February and an appeal was made to local church congregations for contributions. There has been an excellent response. At present the churches arrange for the food to be delivered to the township offices for immediate distribution, if required. The identity of the recipients is kept confidential. Urgently needed are climateâ€"controlled locations in the municipalities of Bastard and S. Burgess, South Crosby and Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne for the storage and distribution of food. Anyone knowing of available storage locations is invited to bring their suggestions to the next meeting, Monday, April 14th at the United Church Hall, Elgin from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The names of families requiring, food should be given to the township clerk of the municipality involved. It was agreed at the March meeting that the food bank was intended to meet spiritual, as well as physical needs. It is not meant to be a welfare organization. Although it will have contact with government agencies, its main purpose is to lift peeple's burdens with the Gospel message and to assist them to become selfâ€"supporting. The problem of misuse was discussed, and the importance of having a well organized, centralized operation was stressed. Captain Guenther of the Salvation Army, Gananoque, gave examples of how people try to exploit theqsystem, but these are a very small minority "of those served. The food bank expects to be assisted by some of the screening facilities of government agencies. The theme of the April meeting will be low-income , housing. A government representative will be present to explain the program. Area people who are interested in renovating their premises for rental are encouraged to attend. In the future the Inter-Church group plans to continue examining many aspects of community service, so that assistance may be given when possible. A111 are welcome to attend. PFOMPT pROFesaONaL senwce BILL THAKE REFRIGERATION CO. LTD. CHURCH STREET 273-2062 WESTPORT Appliance Sales and Authouzed Mummy Suviee 60k ADMIRAL. WHIRLPOOL. KELVINATDR RM to ALL make!» 06 Appliances "Se/wing the Med Mince 1956" production techniques . The Leeds area farming community is to be commended for their excellent record, and in particular the five Gold Seal recipients, who are as follows; Mr. William Carl Leggett, Crosby: Douglas Cheetham, Portland area; Donald & Margaret Haffie, Mallorytown; Peter & Therese Schmocker, Portland area; and David and Patricia Ashie, Lansdowne. 1 t 1 i .m“._c~__ m__.mn¢w “siLm-\‘ ‘