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Transcription
Fleet, R.
1964--notes by species--Kure
Sooty Tern
Feb. 27 Have heard these birds over island since Feb. 21. Have increased
every night; now approx. 20. Very difficult to estimate.
Feb. 28--Saw two birds over island at 1800 hours. Still daylight.
March 2 Saw birds over island again this morning and large groups heard last
night.
March 4 Last night birds seemed to be congregating over S end of island.
March 8 Birds seen in air all day (calling) in groups up to 13 (20). Found
one individual in NAF with broken wing. One was also found on March 7.
March 10 Saw 8 individuals over NP All landed.
March 11 Calling conc. at night at points (N and S).
April 14 Birds are conc. over C. R. Now down to 6-8'. Apparently going to
nest there. Many kills from antennae.
April 15 This species especially susceptible to damage (wing and internal
hemorrhage) from antennae.
April 26 Approx 7 0-1000 birds down in C. R.
April 29 Reduced numbers in C. P.--increase at SP. Today about 1000 birds
down on W side of runway level with tower. Sample revealed one ? with nearly
complete egg--gonad development up from 1 week ago.
May 5--Egg laying began in C. R. about this date.
May 16 Wislocki obs. one bird with orange streamer.
May 27 About 2-3000 birds in C. R. approx. 200 birds near NP appears to be
trying to nest. Smoke production from burning oil drums drives these birds
from critical areas where they attempt to nest.