REPORT OF CHARLES H. GILBERT CRUISE 76
Introduction
The data presented here were collected on the Fish and Wildlife Service,
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Motor Vessel CHARLES H. GILBERT Cruise 76,
which lasted from 22 September 1964 to 20 October 1964 and covered some
5300 miles.
The Smithsonian Institution, Division of Birds, was represented by
Robert S. Stenden for the purpose of observing flocks, feeding behavior,
and distribution of birds at sea. Collection of some of the species of
Pterodroma was also advised.
The course followed is shown on the map, Figure 1. We went south
from Oahu, Hawaii to the Line Islands, then east in the area of 10°N and
150-157°W, back to the Line Islands and returned to Oahu via Kauai Island.
The itinerary for the trip is given in Table 1.
Since observations were made on both Palmyra and Christmas Islands,
in addition to observations made at sea, this data will be dealt with
separately. Data collected at sea are handled in two groups. (1) That
which was collected within 50 miles of land and (2) that collected more
than 50 miles from land.
At Sea - More than 50 Miles
The important facts about the birds seen at sea are given on Table 2.
Additional information on feeding behavior is given at the end.
The maximum distance from land on the trip was 640 miles on 13 October
at 10°N - 150°W. The numbers in parenthesis indicate the total number of
birds seen.