Fleet, Robert R., 1963-1965
Page 40
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Smithsonian Institution Archives. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
Makapu Point RRJ () Nov 22, 1963 This area is situated on Oahu, on a Naval Reservation overlooking Moku Manu (6). This is the site of a large (350) Red-footed Booby Colony. We visited this colony at 1150 hours. Field party consists of R. Fleet, W. King, D. Orr, and R. Walker of Hawaiian Fish & Game. These Boobys were in various stages of development but all capable of flight. About 30% were still in first year plumage. Five birds were captured, four were banded. The fifth bird was caught by the wedging of its right foot on a branch. The bird was emaciated, its right foot almost gone. Since it obviously would not live, it was killed. Bones and bodies of 10 birds were found at base of trees (bushes) in which they nest. Obviously they suffer heavy predation from Mongooses, and Marine Rifle Range. One mongoose was seen. Trees average 8ft in height. Nests are simple platforms of sticks. One Brown Booby and 4 Frigates were also seen.