deaths among these is associated with marked contamination of their organs by lead or mercury. Similar observations have been made among Common Loons examined in New England.

In close collaboration ‘with biologists from the Canadian Wildlife Service in Sackville, veterinary pathologists at AVC wish to examine this problem more closely and, for this, request that any Common Loon found dead in the field or dying in the course of a rehabilitation should be submitted for necropsy. These carcasses will be examined in detail for the presence of infectious or other diseases, and their tissues will be analyzed for the presence of heavy metals and organochlorines.

Although toxic problems of the magnitude encountered in loons have not been identified in Northern Gannets, Great Blue Herons, or Bald Eagles in the Atlantic Region, information on these three species, derived from the necropsy of individual dead birds may also provide some important information on their environment. Therefore, these three species are also of particular interest to pathologists at AVC.

Collaboration on this project by members of the public, wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, and provincial. wildlife agencies would be greatly appreciated. Any further information on this project can be obtained from Pierre-Yves Daoust (902) 566-0667 or Scott McBurney (902) 628—4322. Carcasses of birds which cannot be submitted to AVC (Diagnostic Services) within 36 hours after having been found should be kept frozen.

ISLAND BEACH SWEEP by Sharon Labchuk

Last year, more than 12,000 people participated in the first Moosehead Maritimes Beach Sweep and Litter Survey. Close to 4,000 bags of garbage were collected at 300 locations Maritimes wide. On P.E.I., 850 volunteers collected 894 bags of garbage on 135 kilometers of coastline. From June 4th to 12th this year, volunteer participants will once again join forces to clean up litter on our treasured beaches.

Contributing your time as a local Beach Sweep coordinator is extremely rewarding and not overly demanding. The Beach Sweep organization will supply you with a kit containing all the materials you need to organize a fun and successful clean-up, including posters, an organizational guide, sample media releases,

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